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The manager of a university bookstore in Halifax has voiced significant concerns regarding Canada’s upcoming implementation of counter-tariffs on American imports, set to take effect on April 2nd. He warns that these tariffs could lead to a ‘disastrous’ outcome for book retailers throughout the nation.
Paul MacKay, who has been with the King’s Co-Op Bookstore for over ten years, indicated that a 25 percent tariff on books imported from the United States would severely strain small bookstores, which often operate on narrow profit margins. He stresses that simply opting for Canadian-produced books is not a feasible solution, as the Canadian book market heavily depends on printing and logistics based in the U.S.
“Many books authored by Canadians are printed or stored in the U.S. For example, even Mark Carney’s book, which is by a Canadian author, is printed in the U.S., making it subject to this hefty 25 percent tariff,” MacKay elaborated.
This situation leaves bookstore owners with challenging choices: either absorb the costs of the tariff, which could further squeeze their already limited profits, or pass the price increases on to customers, potentially leading to decreased sales.
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In light of these developments, Sydney Haines, a university student employed at the bookstore, shared her concerns regarding the financial burden on students. “I’ve seen customers check the price of books, hesitate, and leave without purchasing because it’s just too expensive. If the tariffs are enforced, these reactions will likely worsen significantly,” she noted.
As the book retail industry braces for potential repercussions from these tariffs, the implications for students and consumers at large remain a pressing concern.
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