Ottawa independent bookstore warns independent outlets can’t absorb retaliatory tariffs on books

Small bookstores say they don't know if they can survive the trade war. Joining us today is Michael Varty from Perfect Books.

The owner of an independent bookstore in Ottawa’s Centretown neighbourhood calls the idea of retaliatory tariffs on books a “bad idea” that will hurt independent businesses.

The federal government’s proposed counter-tariffs on American goods set to take effect on April 2 includes a 25 per cent tariff on books imported from the United States. The government has said it will impose a wave of tariffs on $125 billion worth of U.S. products on April 2 if the U.S. moves ahead with tariffs on Canadian goods.

Michael Varty of Perfect Books Ottawa on Elgin Street says since most Canadian books are printed and warehoused in the United States, they would face a retaliatory tariff when coming to Canada.

Varty says any tariff would either need to be paid for by the bookstore or passed on to consumers.

“We can’t absorb that kind of…our margins are too tight and it’s not possible. The problem is prices are printed on books and it’s also another complication,” Varty told CTV Morning Live. “We’re not trying to gouge our customers or anything like that; we’re just trying to sustain a small business, have livelihoods for our employees and support the community.”

Varty says with the federal election campaign underway, now is the time for people to message their Member of Parliament or candidates to raise the issue of retaliatory tariffs.

“Call their MPs and they can say a retaliatory tariffs on books is a bad idea and email them,” Varty said.

“Any tariff is not necessarily good for the country. This tariff is very complicated and it goes right to the heart of our cultural identity.”

Varty notes even Liberal leader Mark Carney’s book ‘Values’ was printed in the United States and would be subjected to tariffs when it is sold in Canada.

Canada has already imposed a 25 per cent tariff on $30 billion in U.S. goods as part of a trade war between the two neighbours.