The recent trade war between the two neighbours but now erstwhile friends, Canada and USA, has been all over the news. While philately should not be effected by politics, sometimes it is inevitable.
A recent letter released by the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association is proof of this. The letter first says:
…the United States has imposed new tariffs on certain Canadian-origin goods entering the U.S. market. Of particular concern to our sector is the inclusion of tariff classification 9704.00.00, which covers postage and revenue stamps, stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery and similar philatelic material. Some philatelic supplies may also be affected…
It then mentions:
U.S. dealers and online platforms selling into Canada are not facing the same retaliatory burden on core philatelic material, based on the Canadian counter-tariff list reviewed to date. That creates an uneven playing field. Canadian businesses may find it harder to sell Canadian-origin philatelic material into the United States, while U.S. businesses, social media sellers and large online platforms can continue to market to Canadian collectors without the same direct tariff disadvantage.
And then the letter comes to the crux of the matter:
For that reason, we are asking Canadian philatelic societies and clubs to consider encouraging their members to support Canadian philatelic businesses, including members of the CSDA, wherever possible during this period.
Will Canadians heed this call? Time will tell.
Meanwhile, you can read the full letter here.
