03/19/2025
On April 2, our Canadian government is set to roll out it’s next round of retaliatory TARIFFS on goods coming into Canada from the US. This round of tariffs is set to include ALL BOOKS coming across the border. Our bookstores include a wide array of books by Canadian authors, publishers, and suppliers. For logistical reasons in recent years, many of these Canadian books are actually warehoused in the United States and then shipped and distributed throughout Canada from those American warehouses. All of these shipments would be impacted, and make up a pretty big percentage of the items on our shelves.
The proposed 25% tariff will impact bookstores, authors, and publishers all across the country. The margins of profit on books are such that the publishers cannot simply just absorb this 25% tariff themselves, nor can the bookstores. This could hypothetically push the increase on to the consumer. The problem with that lies in that the retail prices of books are typically printed right onto the book. Simply adding a surcharge onto the printed MSRP would create a scenario where a consumer would be asked to pay $50 for a book that says $40 right on the cover, which most industry experts believe that customers simply won’t be willing to pay.
The ensuing downward spiral of sales by bookstores, orders to publishers, and therefore contracts to authors could impact Canadian writing, storytelling, and publishing for generations to come and perhaps forever. In theory, bookstores and publishers would begin to close as the trade war rages on. It is doubtful that many of these would re-open after the tariffs end. The overall financial impact that these tariffs on printed material will make in a trade war is negligible, but the social impact on both sides of the border would be astronomical.
The book industry has been under attack for years. It all began with the birth of Amazon and then carried on with the popularity of the e-reader, the drain on our spare time thanks to social media, and even the degradation of our downtown shopping neighbourhoods. This attack is just the latest one. Bookstores have always been the heartbeat of a community, and in many cases are the only local stores remaining as so many other retailers continue to close down. They are where people gather, connect, and exchange ideas. All of this is now threatened by our very own government.
Speaking specifically about our own stores, Books & Company in Prince George and Quesnel, we will hold on as long as possible before increasing prices. We are committed to making shopping with us as feasible as possible for our customers. Please be understanding if we simply have to pass the tariff charge along, and forgive us for doing so…it would never be our first choice. We will do everything we can to make sure that our stores are still here to serve you after this trade war ends!
Seems rather grim doesn’t it? There is GOOD NEWS in all of this though, in that authors, publishers, booksellers, and *most importantly* readers are a passionate, impactful and hearty bunch. If we unite and act together, we can make a change.
Here are a couple of small ways that you can be a big help!
1. Shop local NOW. Visit all your favourite local retailers and help these shops with their bottom line now as the April 2 tariff deadline looms. You’ll probably save money anyways as most prices are likely to rise ASAP.
2. Call, email, or visit your Member of Parliament. They are here to act on our behalf, and our voices should be heard. Ask them to advocate to exclude printed material from the April 2 tariff list, and explain why. A list of our Northern BC MP’s is at the bottom of this post.
3. Like, comment, and share this post. Help us draw attention to this urgent matter
4. READ ON!
Yours truly, respectfully, humbly, and pi**ed right off,
Owen Lubbers
Books & Company
• Todd Doherty, Cariboo Prince George. [email protected], 250 564-7771
• Bob Zimmer, Prince George/Peace River/Northern Rockies. [email protected], 250 561-7982
• Taylor Bachrach, Skeena Bulkley Valley. [email protected], 250 877-4140
