BIABC Media Releases
For Immediate Release
April 23, 2025
SURVEY RESULTS SHOW BUSINESSES SHIFTING AWAY FROM
AMERICAN SUPPLIERS EVEN IF IT COMES AT A HIGHER COST
Vancouver, BC – With no end in sight to the tariff war with the United States, many consumers have shifted their buying patterns to ‘Shop Local’ and ‘Buy Canadian’ – and it appears that small and medium-sized businesses are following suit, shifting away from American distributors, even if it means it will negatively impact their bottom line.
In early April, the Business Improvement Areas of BC (BIABC) conducted a survey of business owners to establish the extent to which those receiving products from US distributors are seeking alternative suppliers.
The survey found the majority of small and medium-sized businesses have a mix of supply partnerships, with the majority tied heavily to those that are BC, Canadian, American and to a less extent, others.
Findings revealed that 12% of businesses are bound by contractual obligations that won’t allow them to establish alternative suppliers, in the short term, and in some cases, for 1-3 years.
However, 58% of businesses are sourcing alternative supply arrangements and approximately that same number (59%) are looking primarily for a Canadian partner.
The survey also reveals that more than 84% of businesses are taking these actions even though it may come at a higher cost and negatively impact their profitability. The anticipated results are lower profitability, change in consumer prices, and a delay in growth or expansion plans.
“These results show that business owners, just like consumers, are shifting their buying patterns in the Canadian interest,” said Jeremy Heighton, President of BIABC. “What’s more, they are following their heart and exploring new sourcing alternatives, even if it means they will be taking a financial hit.”
BIABC and other business-related organizations continue to encourage consumers to channel their frustration about US tariffs on Canadian exports into something tangible, by supporting merchants in their own community, and where possible buying BC and Canadian made products.
The Association also says the current circumstances have highlighted how, as a nation, we have become too dependent on our existing trade relationship with the United States, and it has exposed how vulnerable our economy and businesses across our communities, provinces and the country are to market volatility.
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For any media enquiries, please contact:
Kelly Gleeson
kgleeson@lbmg.ca
604-240-6231
Past Media Releases
Businesses Surveyed to Establish Levels of Shift to Non-American Distributors
April 7, 2025
BC Budget a Missed Opportunity to Support Small Businesses as Tariff Impacts Set In
March 4, 2025
Threat of US Tariffs Create BC Budget Uncertainty but Underscores Need to Support Businesses
February 25, 2025
BIABC Embraces ‘Shop Local’ and ‘Buy Canadian’ But Cautions Against Unintended Consequences That May Harm Local Businesses
February 19, 2025
BIABC Calls on NDP Government to Support Business in the Face of Sweeping Tariffs
January 16, 2025
BIABC Urging Consumers to Rally Around Local Business
December 2, 2024
BIABC Announces New President
November 28, 2024
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Octobe 30, 2024
BIABC Statement on Secure Care commitments in advance of Provincial Election
September 17, 2024
BIABC seeks commitments from BC's Political Parties to address critical safety & financial concerns impacting small business owners across the province
September 9, 2024
BIABC Labour Day Message: Business Owners and Front-line Staff Need a Safe Work Environment
August 27, 2024
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Budget 2024 Brings Little Meaningful Relief to Cirtical Issues of Street Crime & the Cost of Doing Business
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