Technology Procurement Update Tariffs & Currency Impact

WBM is closely monitoring the potential impact of tariffs and the declining Canadian dollar on the technology supply chain. Some enterprise customers are accelerating purchases to mitigate risks, while distribution of inventories are shrinking due to market uncertainty. 

As of March 12th, the Canadian government has hit another $14.2 billion worth of imported U.S. goods with fresh tariffs, totalling $29.8 billion in retaliation. According to the federal government, the list of additional products affected by counter-tariffs includes computers, servers, and display monitors.  

Trump tariffs news: Canada hits back 

An interesting looming deadline is now April 2nd with the threat of a sector tariff of 25% on semiconductors and chips, meaning that US manufacturers of ICT equipment that import chips from any country would face a 25% price increase due to the tariff.  This would undoubtedly increase pricing for our customers as it would be passed along the supply chain accordingly. 

While tariffs could drive immediate price changes, the weakening CDN dollar is the more pressing concern. Canadian technology manufacturers operate as U.S. importers, with pricing influenced by hedge rates. A number of key players in the industry have already raised prices, and further declines in the dollar could lead to additional increases.  April 1st has been discussed as the date that many vendors, who haven’t already, will be raising prices. 

Financial factors such as potential Bank of Canada rate cuts and federal stimulus spending are also contributing to currency hedging and reduced Canadian purchasing power. With Mexico and Canada tariffs taking effect on March 4th—though their impact on IT equipment remains uncertain—further price adjustments are anticipated throughout 2025. 

Impact on Canadian Consumers Overview: 

• Increased Prices for Technology Products: The imposition of tariffs is expected to raise the cost of imported technology products. Canadian consumers may face higher prices for items such as computers, smartphones, and other electronics, as manufacturers and retailers adjust prices to offset the increased import costs.  

• Supply Chain Disruptions: The tariffs could lead to disruptions in the supply chains for technology products. Companies may need to seek alternative suppliers or adjust their manufacturing strategies, potentially leading to product shortages or delays in availability.  

• Inflationary Pressures: As the cost of imported goods rises, there may be broader inflationary effects, leading to increased prices across various sectors. This could reduce consumers’ purchasing power and affect overall economic stability.  

If you’re considering a hardware refresh this year, WBM recommends proactively placing orders to secure pricing and availability. Our Procurement team has real-time inventory insights from all Tier 1 manufacturers and distributors in Canada. 

For assistance, contact your WBM Account Manager or reach out to our team at 888-275-4926 or sales@wbm.ca. 

You can also check real-time stock availability via the WBM Direct procurement portal at wbmdirect.ca. 

WBM is committed to mitigating supply risks and ensuring continuity for our clients. For any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me. 

Sincerely, 

Ashley Schell 

	Ashley Schell  |  Director, Strategic Procurement 104-3718 Kinnear Place, Saskatoon, SK S7P 0A6 306.280.3900 mobile  |  aschell@wbm.ca Vancouver   Calgary   Regina   Saskatoon   Winnipeg