economy

January 9, 2026

Tariffs sink Canadian couples' long-running e-commerce operation

(The Center Square) – Lana Bain and her husband had been selling antiques online for nearly 30 years when the U.S. tariffs hit.

Tariffs sink Canadian couples' long-running e-commerce operation

TL;DR

  • Canadian antique sellers Lana and Brad Bain's online business of nearly 30 years has been negatively affected by U.S. tariffs.
  • The end of the de minimis loophole (for goods under $800) has increased costs and created confusion for cross-border sales.
  • Shipping to the U.S. was suspended, leading to outstanding orders being refunded and significant financial losses for the Bains.
  • New taxes and fees now represent a large portion of their operating costs, significantly reducing profit margins.
  • The couple plans to open a brick-and-mortar store in their British Columbia home to survive.
  • A group called We Pay the Tariffs reports that American businesses and consumers paid $175 billion in tariffs from March to October 2025.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule on a legal challenge to President Trump's tariffs.

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