Paul TessySenior Vice President, Purolator International
A new day, a new trade-related headline. At least that’s how it seems. North American businesses begin 2025 at a time of deep uncertainty as trade-related developments rattle what has been one of the world’s most stable and profitable relationships. Think about what’s happening right now.
- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office amidst vows to impose broad tariffs ranging from 25% on goods coming from Canada and Mexico to 60% on goods from China.
- In December, the Mexican government announced significant increases to tariffs on textile products, along with new restrictions on the country’s IMMEX program, which offers tax incentives and other benefits to foreign businesses. Thousands of U.S. and Canadian businesses take advantage of the IMMEX program and could be affected by the government’s action.
- Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation as prime minister, paving the way for the election of a new leader in coming weeks.
- Beyond North America, China continues to experience an economic slowdown, marked by two successive GDP reports that failed to hit expected targets. A declining economy along with increasing geopolitical tensions have caused many U.S. and Canadian businesses to rethink their reliance on a China-based manufacturing strategy.
It’s natural for businesses to feel a bit hesitant about exploring cross-border opportunities. However, international trade continues to be a promising venture, and astute businesses can excel in the global market. The key to this success lies in a proactive logistics strategy that is adaptable and well-resourced to meet evolving market demands. Relying on outdated logistics practices is no longer viable. As the landscape changes, so must the logistics strategy to stay competitive.
Purolator International remains a preferred choice for businesses engaged in international commerce. Businesses trust that Purolator will seamlessly manage their logistics needs, regardless of where in the world a shipment needs to go, or what challenges need to be addressed. Benefits that differentiate Purolator from other logistics companies include:
- Business Continuity. Our extensive courier, ground, and air networks allow flexibility in accommodating unexpected changes, and ensuring on-time, efficient deliveries, every time.
- Customs Expertise. Internal trade specialists, including Mexico-based personnel, ensure compliance with all customs requirements, and take advantage of opportunities to minimize cost and streamline the clearance process.
- Innovative, Customized Solutions. We build logistics solutions for each customer’s specific needs, which means there is no such thing as a “standard” Purolator solution. Each solution reflects the absolute best options available and ensures the highest levels of efficiency.
- Customer Service. Every customer is assigned a dedicated customer service representative. This ensures direct access to a personal representative who is always a quick phone call or text away, and is fully engaged and knowledgeable about their logistics strategy
Written by Paul Tessy, Senior Vice President, Purolator International