30 Canadian Businesses Turning Tariff Chaos Into Competitive Advantage

Tariffs are the ultimate plot twist in the global economy. Just when businesses think they have a clear path forward, a government policy throws everything into disarray. But while some businesses see chaos, others see opportunity. Here are 30 Canadian businesses that have leveraged their agility, innovation, and strategic thinking to navigate tariff-related challenges and come out on top.

Bombardier

Bombardier, the aerospace giant, has had its share of trade disputes, particularly with the U.S. over aircraft tariffs. But instead of floundering, Bombardier pivoted by deepening its partnerships with Airbus, increasing global market reach, and finding new suppliers to offset costs. The result? The A220 program took off (pun intended), and the company maintained a strong competitive edge.

Linamar

Linamar, one of Canada’s largest auto parts manufacturers, turned tariffs into a lesson in supply chain resilience. During the U.S.-China trade war, Linamar leveraged NAFTA (and later USMCA) provisions to shift production and supply chains, minimizing tariff impacts. When steel and aluminum tariffs spiked costs, Linamar secured domestic supply agreements, shielding itself from volatility. This adaptability has helped it remain a multi-billion-dollar industry leader amid tariff-induced chaos.

Shopify

As trade tensions and fluctuating tariffs create chaos for retailers, Shopify’s platform offers tools that help merchants adapt seamlessly. With over 2 million businesses using Shopify (as of 2024), the company enables sellers to navigate shifting import duties by integrating automated tax calculators, real-time shipping rate adjustments, and localized fulfillment strategies. By leveraging its Canadian base outside direct U.S.-China trade conflicts, Shopify attracts sellers looking for tariff stability.

Canada Goose

Canada Goose, the premium outerwear brand, has adeptly turned tariff chaos into a competitive advantage. Amid U.S.-China trade tensions and shifting import duties, the Canadian company leveraged its “Made in Canada” status to sidestep U.S. tariffs on Chinese-made goods, unlike competitors reliant on overseas production. By maintaining local production and emphasizing heritage, Canada Goose has turned tariff turbulence into an opportunity, strengthening its brand while competitors struggle with fluctuating costs.

Saputo

Dairy tariffs under the USMCA agreement prompted Saputo to look beyond North America. Canada’s supply management system, which limits dairy imports through high tariffs, posed challenges but shielded Saputo from excessive domestic foreign competition. Meanwhile, Saputo’s acquisitions, such as Dairy Crest in the U.K. and Lion Dairy in Australia, helped offset tariff-related costs by increasing global revenue streams. The company’s ability to adapt underscores why it remains a powerhouse in the competitive dairy industry.

Magna International

With operations in 28 countries and over 170,000 employees, Magna supplies key components to automakers like General Motors, Ford, and BMW. The 2018 U.S.-China trade war and Trump-era tariffs on steel and aluminum posed significant threats, but Magna leveraged its geographically diversified supply chain to mitigate costs. It dodged tariffs while maintaining just-in-time delivery by shifting production across its 340 manufacturing facilities.

Clearwater Seafoods

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Clearwater Seafoods, founded in 1976 by John Risley and Colin MacDonald in Bedford, Nova Scotia, has become North America’s largest shellfish producer, offering products like sea scallops, lobster, clams, coldwater shrimp, and snow crab to 59 countries. The company has proactively addressed international trade challenges by supporting initiatives such as the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). As a result, the company secured lucrative deals in China, South Korea, and Japan, broadening its global reach.

Gildan Activewear

Tariffs on clothing imports forced Gildan to optimize its production strategy. By owning and operating 13 manufacturing facilities across countries like Honduras, Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, and Bangladesh, Gildan controls approximately 90% of its production processes. This approach enables direct management of costs and quality, resulting in a gross margin of about 27.3% as of 2023, with an average production cost per garment around $2.50, significantly lower than many competitors. ​

West Fraser Timber

Despite facing a 13.09% tariff imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce in 2022, an increase from its previous 11.14% rate, the company has demonstrated resilience by diversifying its operations. Notably, West Fraser expanded its production into the southern United States, particularly the southern pine belt, which benefits from tariffs and mitigates the impact of trade barriers. This strategic move has allowed the company to capitalize on regional advantages and maintain robust financial performance. In the fourth quarter of 2024, West Fraser reported $140 million in adjusted EBITDA, representing a 10% margin, and achieved a full-year adjusted EBITDA of $673 million with an 11% margin.

Loblaw

Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s largest grocery retailer, has adeptly turned tariff turmoil into a competitive advantage. Additionally, Loblaw capitalized on shifting consumer sentiment, as Canadians favored locally sourced products amid trade disputes. The company also optimized logistics, using its vast distribution network to offset cost pressures. By 2018-2019, it had outmaneuvered competitors struggling with rising costs, maintaining strong margins despite industry-wide inflation.

SNC-Lavalin

​SNC-Lavalin, a Canadian engineering and construction firm, has strategically navigated global market challenges to enhance its competitive edge. Emphasizing sustainability, SNC-Lavalin introduced Decarbonomics™ in 2023, a data-driven service designed to assist industrial clients in achieving Net Zero targets through tailored strategies. Additionally, the firm secured C$2.6 billion in sustainability-linked credit facilities, aligning financial incentives with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, including goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2025.

Canfor

Since the U.S. imposed duties on Canadian lumber imports, ranging from 9% to over 20% in different periods, Canfor has diversified its operations, acquiring sawmills in the U.S. South, where tariffs don’t apply. This strategic move has reduced exposure to trade barriers while leveraging lower-cost Southern Yellow Pine production. And, despite challenges, Canfor’s strategy has paid off: in 2023, it posted strong earnings, supported by rising U.S. housing demand.

BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products)

Tariffs on recreational vehicles led BRP to ramp up production in Mexico, sidestepping additional costs while maintaining North American supply chains. This adaptability helped BRP maintain strong financial performance, with revenue reaching CA$10 billion in 2023. Meanwhile, competitors reliant on Chinese manufacturing saw profit margins shrink. By leveraging trade policies in its favor, BRP strengthened its position in the power sports market, proving that agility trumps all in the world of tariffs.

Maple Leaf Foods

Maple Leaf Foods capitalized on shifting trade policies by increasing its exports to Asia, particularly China, where demand for Canadian pork and protein alternatives soared. By investing in state-of-the-art processing facilities, such as its $772 million plant in London, Ontario, Maple Leaf enhances efficiency and cost competitiveness. Besides challenges from fluctuating tariffs, the company’s global strategy, sustainability initiatives, and trade advantages position it as a resilient player in the international meat industry.

Teck Resources

Teck Resources restructured its global distribution network to ensure its minerals and metals faced minimal trade barriers, securing new deals in India and South America. Additionally, Maple Leaf has benefited from Canada’s free trade agreements, including CUSMA (formerly NAFTA) and CPTPP, which provide preferential access to key markets. It also focuses on premium, sustainable meat products, reducing reliance on volatile commodity markets. Also, by investing in a $772 million plant in London, Ontario, Maple Leaf enhances efficiency and cost competitiveness.

Hudson’s Bay Company

When U.S. tariffs hit hard, HBC leaned into Canadian manufacturing, cutting import costs while waving the maple leaf. Meanwhile, fluctuating duties on Chinese textiles nudged the company to diversify suppliers, dodging price hikes like a pro. Even NAFTA’s reincarnation as USMCA? HBC adapted by optimizing cross-border logistics, making customs headaches someone else’s problem. While competitors groan over unpredictable duties, HBC leverages duty-free zones, smart warehousing, and strategic discounting to stay ahead.

BlackBerry

BlackBerry, the once-mighty king of QWERTY keyboards, has found an unexpected edge amid global tariff wars. Its QNX software, running in over 215 million vehicles, remains tariff-proof because the code doesn’t get taxed. Meanwhile, its cybersecurity arm, guarding governments and Fortune 500 firms, thrives on rising geopolitical paranoia. Even Trump-era tariffs that hammered hardware giants barely grazed BlackBerry, making it the Teflon tech company of North America.

Agropur

Navigating the frothy waves of trade agreements, Agropur, Canada’s dairy dynamo, has been churning challenges into opportunities. When the USMCA curdled the dairy scene with new tariff-rate quotas (TRQs), Agropur didn’t just milk about it; they assessed the impact on their members across five provinces, noting that these concessions, atop previous ones like CETA and CPTPP, complicate long-term investment planning in Canadian facilities. ​Despite these sour notes, Agropur remains committed to serving Canadians quality dairy made from local milk.

Sun Life Financial

​Sun Life Financial has been dancing in the rain without getting wet in the topsy-turvy world of tariffs, where economic storms brew faster than a teacup tempest. They championed a diversified portfolio to weather market volatility, emphasizing the importance of not making hasty financial decisions during trade tantrums. Moreover, Sun Life expanded its operations in India, planning to add 700 staff by 2025, showcasing a strategic pivot to global talent pools amidst tariff turmoil.

Kruger Products

Kruger, a major paper goods producer, adjusted its supply chain to source tariff-free materials and increased domestic production. While others bemoaned the rising costs of raw materials, Kruger adapted, leveraging government incentives and supply chain efficiencies. By keeping operations close to home, the company dodged tariff-induced price spikes and ensured steady product flow, especially during the pandemic-driven toilet paper frenzy of 2020.

CAE Inc.

With operations in over 35 countries, CAE cleverly shifts production and sourcing to minimize tariff impacts. When the U.S. slapped hefty duties on foreign steel and aluminum, CAE, already manufacturing in multiple regions, adjusted sourcing strategies, keeping costs down while competitors took the hit. Meanwhile, its flight simulators and defense tech remain in high demand, and governments aren’t about to skimp on pilot training just because tariffs are messy.

MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates)

MDA (MacDonald, Dettwiler, and Associates) has turned potential headaches into strategic high-fives in the topsy-turvy world of tariffs. By meticulously classifying products with the precision of a spelling bee champion, they’ve avoided overpaying duties. Through savvy negotiations, MDA has persuaded suppliers to share the tariff load, making the financial burden a team effort. And, with cutting-edge trade compliance technology, they’ve automated processes, ensuring they stay ahead in the ever-changing global trade game. ​

Stantec

In a world where tariffs can make business as unpredictable as a game of pin the tail on the moose, Stantec, the Canadian engineering and design powerhouse, has managed to pirouette through the chaos with the grace of a figure skater on maple syrup. Their strategic moves have paid off handsomely, with revenues climbing from $4.58 billion in 2021 to $6.48 billion in 2023—a compound annual growth rate that would make a beaver beam with pride.

Cameco

Cameco expanded its uranium supply agreements to European and Asian clients, avoiding U.S. trade barriers. But they didn’t stop there. Cameco also eyed new dance partners in other markets, reducing their reliance on the U.S. and expanding their global footprint. This strategic two-step shielded them from tariff turbulence and showcased their agility in the global uranium ballet.​ So, while tariffs loomed like storm clouds, Cameco twirled through the raindrops, turning trade tribulations into a competitive cha-cha.

OpenText

OpenText, the Canadian maestro of information management, turns trade tribulations into triumphs. By harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), OpenText empowers businesses to Optimize Sourcing Strategies. AI sifts through mountains of data to unearth alternative suppliers, ensuring your supply chain remains as nimble as a gymnast. By digitizing supply chains, OpenText helps businesses stay ahead of disruptions, ensuring that when tariff chaos strikes, you learn to thrive.

Husky Energy

Husky optimized its export strategy to target markets with more favorable trade policies, such as India and South Korea. Even better, Husky capitalized on price gaps between Canadian crude (Western Canadian Select) and U.S. benchmarks, buying low and selling high. The company also shifted its focus to Asian markets, reducing dependence on unpredictable U.S. policies.

Sapient Industries

Sapient leveraged green energy incentives in Europe to sidestep tariff concerns while expanding its renewables business. It also played favorites with its product mix, focusing on high-margin darlings that customers couldn’t resist. But it didn’t stop there; Sapient explored government programs like the federal tariff remission process, securing relief and refunds to cushion the tariff blow.

McCain Foods

McCain Foods scaled up European production, reducing its reliance on U.S. trade policies. For instance, when the U.S. imposed steel and aluminum tariffs, McCain sidestepped rising packaging costs by sourcing smarter. And when European potato tariffs tightened, they ramped up local sourcing and processing, ensuring their fries still sizzled in EU markets. With over 50 plants worldwide, McCain plays tariff Tetris like a pro, reshuffling operations to stay competitive.

Linax Technologies

By wielding advanced software solutions, they help businesses navigate the choppy waters of cross-border commerce. Their AI-driven tools automate client communications, ensuring that queries about duty rates are answered faster than you can say “harmonized system codes.” Linax’s automated alerts inform businesses about tariff changes, so no one’s caught off guard when duty rates do the cha-cha. Their AI-powered cost analysis assists companies in forecasting expenses, making budgeting less of a guessing game.

Air Canada

Amidst the ever-changing maze of tariffs, Air Canada has turned trade turbulence into a tailwind. The airline expanded cargo operations by capitalizing on shifting supply chains and moving tariff-dodging goods through friendlier hubs. During the 2018-2019 U.S.-China trade war, its cargo revenue jumped $803 million annually. The airline also played tariff arbitrage, optimizing routes to dodge levies and boost margins. Then came COVID-19, when passenger flights nosedived. Air Canada swiftly converted planes into all-cargo aircraft, hauling everything from PPE to lobster. The result? A 40% cargo revenue spike in 2020.

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