A woman from Kentville, Nova Scotia, has taken on an additional job to supplement her income due to a decline in sales caused by the Canada-U.S. trade conflict affecting her ceramics business.
Natasha Lawyer, the owner of Sugarhouse Ceramic Co., used to generate $4,000 to $5,000 in monthly revenue from U.S. sales, representing 80% of her clientele. However, her U.S. sales dropped drastically to just $300 last month.
The impact of the trade war, initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canadian products, led to a significant reduction in Lawyer’s sales starting in 2025.
Similar to Lawyer, other small business owners in Nova Scotia, such as Laurie Dolhan of Wolfville, who operates Hook, Line and Tinker selling embroidery kits, have been strategizing to sustain their businesses amidst the trade dispute.
Although Dolhan’s products are not directly affected by tariffs, she established a U.S. business entity and partnered with a local distribution center to cater to American customers’ needs. Despite these efforts, her sales have been declining.
Both entrepreneurs emphasize the importance of supporting local businesses during challenging times. They urge consumers to promote and purchase from local businesses, suggesting actions like sharing purchases on social media and diverting some spending towards local vendors, which can make a significant impact.