News
September 27, 2025
Aritzia chairman urges Canada to eliminate de minimis exemptions
Brian Hill said his company is at a 20 per cent duty disadvantage on e-commerce orders to Canadians valued at $150 or less.
**Aritzia Chairman Calls for End to De Minimis Exemptions, Citing Unfair Competition**
Vancouver, BC – Brian Hill, Chairman and CEO of Canadian fashion retailer Aritzia, is urging the Canadian government to eliminate its de minimis exemptions on imported goods, arguing that the current policy puts his company and other Canadian businesses at a significant competitive disadvantage. The de minimis threshold allows goods valued at $150 or less to be imported into Canada without incurring duties or taxes.
Hill argues that this exemption gives foreign e-commerce retailers an unfair edge when selling to Canadian consumers. In essence, Aritzia faces a 20 percent duty disadvantage on online orders valued at $150 or less compared to its international competitors. This difference in cost makes it harder for Canadian businesses to compete on price and retain market share within their own country.
The current de minimis threshold was raised from $20 to $150 in 2020 as part of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While the change was intended to streamline trade and reduce administrative burdens, it has sparked debate regarding its impact on Canadian retailers and manufacturers.
Hill contends that the exemption disproportionately benefits large foreign companies that can easily absorb the cost of duties on higher-value items, while smaller Canadian businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on online sales, are struggling to compete. He believes that leveling the playing field by eliminating the de minimis threshold would encourage Canadian consumers to support local businesses and boost the national economy.
This call to action adds fuel to a growing discussion about the economic implications of Canada's trade policies. Critics of the de minimis exemption argue that it not only disadvantages Canadian businesses but also reduces government revenue and potentially undermines local job creation. Proponents, however, suggest that the exemption simplifies cross-border trade, reduces costs for consumers, and promotes competition.
The debate is expected to continue as the Canadian government weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of the current de minimis policy. Whether Hill's plea will lead to a policy change remains to be seen, but it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Canadian businesses in the evolving landscape of global e-commerce.
Vancouver, BC – Brian Hill, Chairman and CEO of Canadian fashion retailer Aritzia, is urging the Canadian government to eliminate its de minimis exemptions on imported goods, arguing that the current policy puts his company and other Canadian businesses at a significant competitive disadvantage. The de minimis threshold allows goods valued at $150 or less to be imported into Canada without incurring duties or taxes.
Hill argues that this exemption gives foreign e-commerce retailers an unfair edge when selling to Canadian consumers. In essence, Aritzia faces a 20 percent duty disadvantage on online orders valued at $150 or less compared to its international competitors. This difference in cost makes it harder for Canadian businesses to compete on price and retain market share within their own country.
The current de minimis threshold was raised from $20 to $150 in 2020 as part of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). While the change was intended to streamline trade and reduce administrative burdens, it has sparked debate regarding its impact on Canadian retailers and manufacturers.
Hill contends that the exemption disproportionately benefits large foreign companies that can easily absorb the cost of duties on higher-value items, while smaller Canadian businesses, particularly those heavily reliant on online sales, are struggling to compete. He believes that leveling the playing field by eliminating the de minimis threshold would encourage Canadian consumers to support local businesses and boost the national economy.
This call to action adds fuel to a growing discussion about the economic implications of Canada's trade policies. Critics of the de minimis exemption argue that it not only disadvantages Canadian businesses but also reduces government revenue and potentially undermines local job creation. Proponents, however, suggest that the exemption simplifies cross-border trade, reduces costs for consumers, and promotes competition.
The debate is expected to continue as the Canadian government weighs the potential benefits and drawbacks of the current de minimis policy. Whether Hill's plea will lead to a policy change remains to be seen, but it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Canadian businesses in the evolving landscape of global e-commerce.
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World