Canadian stamp dealers facing a new 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian-origin stamps and other philatelic material are asking collectors, clubs and societies to support the businesses that help sustain the hobby.
Of particular concern is U.S. tariff classification 9704.00.00, which covers postage and revenue stamps, stamp-postmarks, first-day covers, postal stationery and similar philatelic material.
The impact could be significant. Based on responses received by the Canadian Stamp Dealers’ Association (CSDA), sales to U.S. customers account for about one-third of members’ business on average, while some dealers report that 50, 70 and even 90 per cent of their sales go to American customers. Some have already reported losing U.S. sales.
Canadian dealers also face an uneven competitive situation. Canada has announced counter-tariffs on specified U.S.-origin products effective Sept. 8, but stamps and other core philatelic material under heading 9704 are not included on the Canadian list released to date. That means affected Canadian-origin stamps entering the United States can face an additional 50 per cent tariff, while U.S.-origin stamps can enter Canada without an equivalent retaliatory tariff. At the same time, the absence of a Canadian tariff allows dealers here to continue acquiring important inventory from U.S. collectors, dealers and auction houses without an additional duty on the stamps themselves.
Against that backdrop, the CSDA is encouraging collectors to support Canadian stamp dealers — members and non-members alike — as well as Canadian auction houses and other businesses serving the hobby. “We believe this is an important moment to remind collectors that Canadian dealers and auction houses need their support,” CSDA Interim President Rick Day wrote in an Aug. 27 letter to philatelic clubs and societies across the country.
The full letter is posted on the CSDA’s website.
Collectors can help by checking Canadian dealers’ websites and online stores when looking for material, supporting Canadian sellers on platforms such as eBay, buying and consigning through Canadian auction houses, purchasing collecting supplies from Canadian businesses where possible and attending Canadian shows and bourses. The CSDA is also encouraging collectors to support Canadian philatelic publications, websites and advertising channels. Dealers and other businesses, in turn, support clubs, societies, exhibitions, youth programs and shows through advertising, sponsorships, donations and participation.
The appeal is not about discouraging international collecting or trade. Philately remains an international hobby, and Canadian dealers depend heavily on the cross-border marketplace for both customers and inventory. Rather, the CSDA is asking collectors to consider where they spend their collecting dollars as Canadian businesses confront a significant new obstacle in the U.S. market.
“This is an important moment for Canada’s philatelic community to stand together in support of the clubs, dealers, auction houses, publications, shows and services that keep our hobby strong,” Day wrote.