As sweeping new U.S. tariffs ripple through global trade, Canadian stamp dealers are bracing for serious consequences. The latest measures—announced on April 2 under the “Reciprocal Tariff Policy”—impose a 10 per cent duty on imports from nearly every country in the world, along with additional duties of up to 50 per cent on goods from 57 nations. While Canada is largely exempt for now, the indirect impacts are already being felt throughout the philatelic trade.
Angelo Komatsoulis, president of the Canadian Stamp Dealers Association (CSDA), says dealers operating both online and at in-person shows are adapting, but warns of long-term economic strain. “We are definitely heading towards a recession,” he told CSN, citing Canada’s lagging productivity, lack of innovation investment, and growing federal workforce as warning signs beyond just U.S. trade policies.
The historical echoes of this crisis are hard to ignore. Komatsoulis and other experts draw comparisons to the 1930 Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act, which worsened the Great Depression. Today’s tariffs, though modern in their justification, may lead to similarly lasting damage—especially to small, globally connected industries like philately.
Despite the uncertainty, Komatsoulis outlines a practical 10-point survival strategy for stamp dealers, including participation in stamp organizations, online platforms, local youth outreach, and an emphasis on health and ethics. Dealers are also advised to take advantage of Canada’s current exemption under the U.S. “de minimis” rule, which still allows small-value goods under $800 to enter duty-free.
Read the entire story in the latest issue of Canadian Stamp News (CSN V50N02).
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