U.S. businesses reliant on foreign imports have seen their average tariff rate increase from 2% at the beginning of the year to 24% as of April 11, according to Bloomberg. This has left many businesses, including those in the consumer products industry, considering what actions to take to mitigate the increased costs due to tariffs. … READ MORE >
retail
Canada’s CPI slows amid rising Buy Canadian movement, cooling global outlook
Canada’s latest consumer price index data shows the influence of the Buy Canadian movement and the effects of global economic uncertainty. … READ MORE >
Buy Canadian movement offers opportunities amid heightened emotions
The Buy Canadian movement may be more than a reactionary fad amid U.S. tariffs. The increased awareness of domestic options could shift behaviours in the long run—but being aware of its limitations is critical. … READ MORE >
Calm before the storm: Canada’s CPI rises as tax break ends
Canada’s consumer price index for February saw a sizeable uptick—but the increase was just the calm before a broader economic storm. … READ MORE >
AI revolution: Transforming retail with innovation and efficiencies
Retailers that foster a culture of experimentation and innovation, and harness the power of AI will lead in growth, productivity and market share in the coming years. … READ MORE >
Canada’s economy surged last quarter, but U.S. tariff threats cloud 2025 forecast
Canada’s economy showed promising growth in the last quarter of 2024 and is poised to have a robust 2025—provided U.S. tariffs don’t take effect. … READ MORE >
Canada’s consumer price index reaches 1.9% as tax holiday dampens inflation
Canada’s consumer price index reached 1.9 per cent in January as the GST/HST tax break played a major role in dampening inflation. With inflation largely stable, the Bank of Canada’s next move would depend largely on jobs data. … READ MORE >
Consumer products M&A update: Rebound remains out of reach
The long-awaited rebound in consumer products deal volume remained out of reach in the second half of last year. … READ MORE >
Canada’s unemployment rate falls to 6.6% as business sentiment improves
Canada’s economic resurgence appears well under way as January saw 76,000 new jobs and a lower unemployment rate as business sentiment improved. … READ MORE >
Even with pause, Trump’s tariffs and Canada’s response establish volatile new economic reality
While a reprieve on tariffs may be welcomed, the back-and-forth between the U.S. and Canada laid bare Canada’s economic vulnerability amid ongoing political volatility. … READ MORE >