In early 2025, the U.S. introduced a new wave of tariffs, including a 25% duty on many Canadian imports — excluding energy products, which remain at a 10% rate. While designed to address economic priorities, these tariffs are creating ripple effects across healthcare delivery in Canada.
Let’s look at how the U.S. tariffs impact Canadian healthcare, especially in fulfillment, medical devices, and substance abuse treatment services.
Medical Devices: Rising Costs, Slower Access
Many Canadian clinics rely on U.S.-made diagnostic tools, testing kits, and medical supplies. With higher import costs due to tariffs, clinics and hospitals are facing price hikes for:
- Surgical tools
- Diagnostic cassettes and rapid tests
- Personal protective equipment
This leads to tighter margins and difficult purchasing decisions, especially for smaller healthcare providers.
Fulfillment Networks Under Pressure
Cross-border logistics are more complex — and costly. Canadian medical distributors dependent on U.S. fulfillment networks are seeing:
- Delays at customs
- Unexpected surcharges
- Greater difficulty managing inventory levels
These issues directly affect how quickly providers can access critical healthcare products.
Substance Abuse Programs Are Especially Vulnerable
Tariffs are also affecting access to tools and products used in substance abuse treatment, including:
- Drug screening kits
- Harm reduction supplies
- Behavioral health testing panels
Public health programs, NGOs, and addiction treatment clinics operating on fixed budgets are finding it harder to stretch limited funds.
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What Can Canadian Healthcare Providers Do?
Here are three smart ways to stay ahead of the disruption:
- Diversify Suppliers: Look beyond the U.S. for manufacturers — look for suppliers based within Canada.
- Plan Ahead: Build in longer lead times and forecast procurement needs based on tariff exposure.
- Engage in Advocacy: Work with associations that can influence trade and healthcare policy, especially for medical goods.
A Resilient, Made-in-Canada Future
Canada’s healthcare system is strong, but global pressures like tariffs highlight the need for more localized resilience. One solution?
👉 Partner with a Canadian Manufacturer.
Working with a Canadian medical supplier helps you reduce exposure to unpredictable trade policies, avoid unnecessary fees, and ensure faster access to the tools you need — with no compromise on quality or compliance.