Canada's proposed counter-tariffs could paint grim picture for London art shops

As Canada prepares its next round of countermeasures to U.S.-imposed tariffs, some independent art supply stores in London say they expect to be caught in the crosshairs. 

The Government of Canada is finalizing its list of $125 billion in U.S. imported goods that will be subject to tariffs, including art supplies such as paints, brushes, markers, textiles and photography materials. 

However, unlike groceries, art store owners and employees say it's much harder to stock their stores with Canadian alternatives.

"It's tough when Canada has so few options for manufacturers," said Jess Murphy, a store assistant at Bijan's Art Studio. "We want to support the few that exist, but there are just so many big brand names that everyone really wants, and those are all from the States."

Professional-quality art paints are just one example of art materials primarily made in the U.S. that could be hit by tariffs, Murphy said, adding there are some high-quality Canadian alternatives like Tri-Art Manufacturing from Kingston, Ont.

"If people ask us about the non-U.S. brands, it's like, 'OK, we've got one or two options for you, or sometimes none,'" Murphy said. 

The options are even fewer for the film photography industry, said All Things Film owner Avan Patel, who said certain types of film are only produced in the U.S.

"Unfortunately, all the colour film is made by Kodak now. There's no competition. It's pretty much a monopoly at this point," he said.

Some U.S. suppliers are reaching out to Canadian businesses to say they are trying to keep costs low, according to London Yarns owner Janet Filipchuk.

"So far, they've assured me at this stage of the game, there aren't going to be added fees," Filipchuk said, adding that one company offered a discount to Canadian buyers when tariff talks started in February.

Filipchuk said that her business will be primarily unaffected by the U.S.-Canada trade war since most of her yarn is from Canada or overseas, but said she is still worried about the situation as a small business owner. 

Canadians can write to the government until Apr. 2, sharing their feedback on the long list of goods that could be included in the counter tariffs. Until then, other store employees say there is still a lot of uncertainty in the air, which makes it hard to plan their business models and determine costs for consumers. 

"Our goal is to keep things as affordable as we can for our customers, but of course, we're not sure how to stay afloat when we also have to put forward the cost of tariffs and other charges for shipping from the States," Murphy said. 

Increased costs affect professional and hobby artists

Some of the store employees, who are all artists themselves, said they worry the increased cost of living due to tariffs will discourage hobby and professional artists from pursuing their craft.

"It's hard because for people whose full time job isn't art, that might be one of the things they have to sacrifice as grocery prices go up," said Hannah Johnston, who also works at Bijan's Art Studio.

Patel said he's already seen it in his customer's buying habits.

"Instead of buying 10 rolls of film, they'll buy two or three when they're going on a trip, whereas years prior, they would just stock up," he said. "We're trying to see how we can help them continue what they're doing while cutting costs, but not going out of business."

Filipchuk said she thinks artists will push through the cost challenges, adding that making art is a "need" for many. 

"I think that people will be shopping a little smarter like they seem to be across the board, but I don't think it's going to stop the creative process and how people are going to keep doing what they love to do," she said.