Some grocery stores in Canada will be adding labels to price tags for certain American products.
These items are ones impacted by Donald Trump's tariffs and Canada's retaliatory tariffs on the U.S.
Loblaw Companies Limited — which owns Loblaws, No Frills, Real Canadian Superstore, Fortinos, Zehrs, and more stores in Canada — announced that it's making it easier for you to see which products are part of tariffs.
This could help you buy Canadian and keep your bill lower as prices increase.
Per Bank, the president and CEO of Loblaw Companies Limited, posted on LinkedIn about the new price tag labels that are being added soon.
Because the federal government had to respond to Trump's tariffs with counter tariffs on U.S. goods like poultry, dairy items, fruits and vegetables, Bank noted that "this will unfortunately have consequences."
That includes higher prices on products originating from the U.S.
"Canadians should not expect to see prices in our stores increase right away as a result of tariffs," Bank said.
Loblaw-owned grocery stores have an inventory of American products in distribution centres that were purchased before tariffs came into effect.
So, prices on U.S. products won't be impacted until all of that is sold.
"But tariffs will eventually impact prices for certain products we sell – and that could come within a week or two for some items, such as fresh produce," Bank explained.
Loblaw Companies Limited has created a new tariff symbol — a triangle with a T in it — to help customers make informed shopping decisions.
When prices go up, this tariff label will be added to price tags so you know the price increase is because a product was sourced from the U.S. and impacted by tariffs.
Tariff label on a Loblaw price tag.Per Bank | LinkedIn
If tariffs are cancelled by Canada and the U.S., any tariff-related price changes will be "entirely removed" at Loblaw-owned stores.
"We know affordability has been a challenge for so many Canadians, including the cost of groceries. We'll continue to work with our suppliers to reduce the impact of these tariffs," Bank said.
Also, Loblaw Companies Limited is using a distinctive maple leaf to show shoppers what the product of Canada items and made-in-Canada products are.
"We are pro-Canada and not anti-USA. We have many trusted U.S. vendors, but we will be responsive to our customers' needs," Bank said.
There are also non-American products that aren't affected by tariffs and Loblaw Companies Limited is working to "expand" those product offerings at stores in Canada.