Trade. Tariffs. Trump...

This morning I woke up to texts from my brother blowing up my phone asking about how the US tariffs could affect orders heading to the US.

As I'm sure you know, the US and Canada are planning to launch new tariffs in the next few weeks and businesses and customers on both sides of the border are feeling the squeeze. 

My brother was wondering how our small business is doing and expressed concern about the future of cross-boarder trade for Lipidology. Just as I assured my brother, I want to assure our customers that no matter what happens with these trade disputes, we will keep doing what we're doing and find ways to get Lipidology products to our US customers. 

On that same day, I also received another message; one that further encouraged me and reminded me of the kindness and connection that still exist between ordinary people across the boarder. This note, which came from one of our wonderful American customers, is worth quoting in full (with her permission): 

“Hello, good morning! I just received the blue lotus balm and the scent is marvelous! Thank you for sending it so quickly and so well wrapped. I can't wait to use it and can't wait to order more. As always, thanks for all you do. There are many of us south of the US/Canada border who are wishing you (and all Canadian businesses) all the best and we will certainly work hard to keep sending orders your way. Counting the days until we once again get rational leaders. And maybe, just maybe, get to visit your beautiful country once again.”

What a nice message to read amidst the chaos. 

When I think about the politics behind the trade war, it almost feels like someone is trying to make us fight against each other, like bullies on a playground competing for clout. What is it about our political leaders today that makes it so hard for them to be diplomatic?   

While trade tensions have escalated between our countries, governments and politics are unable to define the relationships between people. We have been incredibly fortunate to receive support from customers on both sides of the border, and we are deeply grateful for every order, every kind message, and every person who chooses to support our small Canadian business.

It would be nice if we could see the benefit of collaboration rather than a zero-sum competitive mindset. We share so much more than a border. We share friendships, families, communities, customers and a long history of connection.

I don't take this news lightly. Something big is happening on our planet right now and we're all affected by it. The tariffs could price Canadian companies out of the US. 

To our American customers, thank you for continuing to support Canadian businesses. Your kindness is noticed, and messages like this one remind us that, even during uncertain times, there is still so much goodwill between us.

We look forward to the day when trading with the US feels a little simpler again. Until then, we are committed to doing what it takes to will continue sending a little piece of Canada your way.