Sandy Hogarth, owner of Oceanside Medical Aesthetics in West Vancouver, is navigating challenges caused by the trade war between Canada and the U.S. Due to tariffs impacting beauty products sourced from the U.S., Hogarth is reevaluating her product offerings to ensure sustainability for her business and clients.
Expressing uncertainty about the future amidst the tariff situation, Hogarth is exploring alternative options for medical-grade products that are not affected by tariffs. She is considering shifting towards Canadian products to support local industries and reduce reliance on imports.
UBC Economics professor Werner Antweiler sees the trade tensions as an opportunity for Canadian markets to thrive independently. He emphasizes the potential for Canadian producers to expand domestically and cater to a growing market within the country, free from the uncertainties of international trade disputes.
Antweiler notes a trend of Canadians showing preference for Canadian products, even without tariffs in place. This shift in consumer behavior is evident in the avoidance of American goods in favor of domestically sourced alternatives, such as choosing B.C. strawberries over American imports.
While awaiting developments in trade negotiations between Canada and the U.S., Hogarth remains proactive in adapting her business strategies to align with potential shifts in the market landscape.
