With the recently announced tariffs on many Canadian imports expected to take effect on August 19, 2026, now is a good time to have a conversation with your paper supplier. Even if the full impact is not yet known, understanding your exposure can help you avoid surprises.
Here are five questions every printer should consider asking.
1. Which of the paper grades we purchase originate from Canadian mills?
Start by identifying which of your regularly purchased grades are manufactured in Canada. Ask your representative to provide a list of affected products, including:
- Coated papers
- Uncoated freesheet
- Book papers
- Cover stocks
- Digital papers
- Specialty grades
- Paperboard
Knowing which products may be affected is the first step in evaluating your exposure.
2. Do you anticipate price increases, and if so, when?
Ask whether your supplier expects:
- Immediate price adjustments
- Future mill price increases
- Temporary surcharges
- Existing quotes to be honored
- Contracts to remain in effect
Understanding the timing is just as important as understanding the amount.
3. Are there comparable alternatives available?
If certain Canadian grades become more expensive or difficult to obtain, ask whether there are suitable alternatives from U.S. or international mills.
Topics to discuss include:
- Availability
- Printability
- Color consistency
- Sheet sizes
- Digital compatibility
- Lead times
Testing alternatives before they are needed can help minimize production disruptions.
4. Should we change our purchasing strategy?
Rather than making assumptions, ask your supplier whether they recommend:
- Maintaining current inventory levels
- Purchasing additional inventory before implementation
- Delaying purchases
- Adjusting ordering frequency
Every company’s situation is different depending on inventory capacity, cash flow, and the mix of paper grades used.
5. What other supply chain issues should we expect?
Price is only one concern. Ask whether your supplier anticipates:
- Longer delivery times
- Product allocations
- Transportation delays
- Mill production changes
- Grade substitutions
- Order minimum changes
Understanding these possibilities can help your production and customer service teams plan accordingly.
Additional Steps to Consider
In addition to speaking with your supplier, companies may wish to:
- Review estimates for jobs that extend beyond August.
- Consider shortening quotation validity periods.
- Evaluate whether contracts should include paper price adjustment provisions.
- Communicate proactively with customers about potential market changes.
- Monitor inventory carefully while avoiding unnecessary stockpiling.
Stay Connected with PGCA
PGCA is actively monitoring the implementation of the Canadian tariff announcement and its impact on the printing and packaging industries.
As additional information becomes available—including clarification of affected paper grades, product classifications, and any exemptions—we will continue to keep members informed through alerts, newsletters, and legislative updates.
If your company experiences significant cost increases or supply disruptions related to these tariffs, please let us know. Member feedback helps PGCA better understand the real-world impact on our industry and supports our advocacy efforts on your behalf.
