Recently in Logistics; Trade and geopolitical pressures are creating uneven supply chain conditions, as some Canadian exporters may qualify for U.S. tariff refunds while provinces like British Columbia prepare for disruptions tied to the war in Iran. Retail and consumer trends are diverging, with shopping centre performance concentrating in top-tier assets and spending holding flat as consumers grow more selective. At the same time, AI is emerging as the most disruptive force in supply chains, with leaders expecting greater impact than automation or robotics, signalling a shift toward more data-driven operations.
What Canadian Exporters Need to Know About U.S. Tariff Refunds
Some Canadian exporters may qualify for U.S. tariff refunds following a court ruling, but only if they paid the duties as the importer of record on eligible shipments between February 2025 and February 2026. The process requires submitting claims through the ACE Portal, with refunds expected within 60 to 90 days, though the system is still rolling out in phases. Eligibility is limited, and many exporters may not qualify, especially if tariffs were paid by U.S. partners or fall under excluded sectors.
Source: BNN Bloomberg
B.C. Forms Task Force to Monitor Iran War Supply Chain Risks
British Columbia is launching a cross-government task force to monitor and respond to supply chain disruptions linked to the war in Iran. The province expects impacts across key sectors such as energy, healthcare, agriculture, and transportation, with early effects already seen in rising fuel prices. Officials are also calling for broader coordination across Canada to prepare for longer-term global disruptions.
Source: Inside Logistics
Top Malls Pull Ahead as Canada Retail Performance Splits
New data from 2023 to 2025 shows Canadian shopping centre performance is becoming more concentrated, with top-tier malls pulling further ahead while mid-tier assets lag. Leading centres in major cities continue to see strong sales per square foot, driven by high traffic, premium tenants, and experiential offerings. This widening gap highlights a more polarized retail landscape, where dominant properties attract more investment while others face pressure to reposition.
Source: Retail Insider
AI Seen as Top Supply Chain Disruptor for Next Decade
A new report from MHI and Deloitte finds AI is now viewed as the most disruptive force in supply chains, with nearly half of leaders expecting significant impact, well ahead of automation and robotics. Companies are already using AI across planning, inventory, and logistics, but many still face challenges in scaling due to costs, talent gaps, and unclear use cases. Alongside AI adoption, ongoing pressures like economic uncertainty, labour shortages, and the need for real-time data continue to shape supply chain priorities.
Source: Modern Materials Handling
Canadian Spending Stable as Consumers Shift to Value
Canadian spending remained largely flat in early 2026, but consumers are becoming more selective as economic concerns grow. Spending is shifting toward essentials and value retailers, while discretionary categories like apparel and department stores continue to decline. At the same time, experiences such as entertainment and travel remain a priority, highlighting a more focused and intentional consumer mindset.
Source: Retail Insider
Are your logistics needs being addressed? Let’s explore your eCommerce fulfillment strategies. You can book a brief call with our team of seasoned logistics professionals to evaluate your needs and formulate a customized plan to propel your business forward.
For quick and easy scheduling, here’s a link to my full calendar.
Check out our other bi-weekly updates here.
