An Ottawa-based online retailer says uncertainty around the trade war and tariffs is forcing it to stop shipping to the United States immediately. Black Coffee Apparel works with independent artists to design the apparel, including skateboards, clothing and hats. “I think when policies are rolled out so quickly and without a lot of thought, there’s not sort of anything universal in place,” said co-owner Jihan Abbas. Abbas says about 15 per cent of their products go to the U.S., especially at peak holiday times. Abbas said there’s a risk of losing their product and profit if an American buyer doesn’t pay the tariff and adds too much confusion and inconsistency. “It creates more risk for us because if there is a tariff charged on something we send across the border, if the person doesn’t accept delivery because they don’t want to pay the tariff, because they don’t know they had to pay the tariff, then we may not get that product back,” Abbas said. “We might be out of pocket [for] the shipping. There’s a little bit of confusion even if tariffs are due.” The company says it has stopped shipping to the U.S. before. It also buys some material from the States and can’t afford to continue with the new tariffs. “I do think it’s important that we have a united front and that we have deals that are fair for Canadian workers, Canadian businesses. You know, that’s the most important thing that we have concessions that are fair for us as well.” Abbas said since the announcement was made, many Canadian customers responded to say they will buy even more from Black Coffee Apparel. The company will also continue to focus on local markets and expanding wholesale operations, Abbas said. Just days after trade negotiations with the United States fell apart, Prime Minister Mark Carney is reiterating that the U.S. deal on the table would not have benefited Canadians, calling it a “bad deal.” Earlier Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to increase tariffs on all cars and trucks to 50 per cent next year following a collapse in trade talks with Canada.
