America’s Tariffs. China’s Retaliation. Your Move, Canada.

04/28/2025
by Jay Thakkar

TRADE WAR 2025: CANADA’S CROSSROADS

The gloves are off. The headlines are real. And your business? It’s next in the crosshairs.

TRUMP FIRES AGAIN. THIS TIME, IT HITS HOME.

“25% tariffs on Canadian goods, effective immediately.”

That was the line that kicked off your Monday—and maybe, changed the trajectory of Canadian business for the decade.

From steel to syrup, lumber to lithium, the U.S. has just slapped new restrictions on over $60 billion worth of Canadian exports. The market didn’t flinch—it crashed.

And in the same breath, Trump joked about Canada becoming “the 51st state.”

It wasn’t funny. And no one north of the border is laughing.

Secretary Marco Rubio scrambled to walk it back. Too late. Damage done.

We’re not for sale.

CHINA RESPONDS WITH FIRE: CANOLA, PORK, FISH—GONE

Think you’ll pivot east?

Think again.

Beijing just imposed a 100% tariff on Canadian canola, oilcakes, and peas, and added 25% tariffs on pork and seafood.

That’s over $3.7 billion worth of agricultural exports up in smoke.

If you’re in agribusiness, you felt that slap.

If you’re in trade—you're bleeding already.

THE POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE: ELECTION 2025 IS A WAR REFERENDUM

Canada goes to the polls in June.

And it’s no longer about climate, or childcare, or housing.

It’s about survival.

Mark Carney, the economist-turned-PM, stands firm: “We won’t bend to bullies.”

Pierre Poilievre counters: “Trade peace at any cost.”

Two visions. One country on edge.

Business leaders? You’d better start hedging.

ENTER: RISEWITHNORTH – CANADA’S COUNTERPUNCH

If you’re a Canadian SME still clinging to NAFTA nostalgia, you’re already five steps behind.

It’s time to diversify—or die trying.

RiseWithNorth is your real-time response system.

It’s not a directory.

It’s not a newsletter.

It’s a living, breathing global B2B network engineered for this exact moment.

  • Connect with verified global suppliers.
  • Get analytics that flag market threats before they hit.

We aren’t here to “support.”

We’re here to supercharge.

THE TRUTH? THIS IS THE NEW NORMAL.

  • The Bank of Canada estimates this trade war will cut national output by 2.5%—permanently.

Ottawa's Response: A $6.5 Billion Lifeline

In response, the Canadian government has announced a $6.5 billion aid package. The Trade Impact Program allocates $5 billion over two years to help businesses cope with decreased U.S. sales and reach new global markets. Additionally, $500 million is available for business loans, and $1 billion is earmarked for the agricultural sector.

  • Over 42,000 small businesses are at risk if they don’t pivot.

European markets are opening. So are Latin America and Southeast Asia.

But they won’t wait.

CLOSE STRONG, ACT FASTER.

The trade war is no longer a headline. It’s your P&L.

You can’t tariff-proof your business. But you can make it untouchable.

Diversify. Digitize. Defend. With RiseWithNorth.

Because the next trade war headline... could have your company’s name in it.

TRADE WAR 2025: CANADA’S CROSSROADS

The gloves are off. The headlines are real. And your business? It’s next in the crosshairs.

TRUMP FIRES AGAIN. THIS TIME, IT HITS HOME.

“25% tariffs on Canadian goods, effective immediately.”

That was the line that kicked off your Monday—and maybe, changed the trajectory of Canadian business for the decade.

From steel to syrup, lumber to lithium, the U.S. has just slapped new restrictions on over $60 billion worth of Canadian exports. The market didn’t flinch—it crashed.

And in the same breath, Trump joked about Canada becoming “the 51st state.”

It wasn’t funny. And no one north of the border is laughing.

Secretary Marco Rubio scrambled to walk it back. Too late. Damage done.

We’re not for sale.

CHINA RESPONDS WITH FIRE: CANOLA, PORK, FISH—GONE

Think you’ll pivot east?

Think again.

Beijing just imposed a 100% tariff on Canadian canola, oilcakes, and peas, and added 25% tariffs on pork and seafood.

That’s over $3.7 billion worth of agricultural exports up in smoke.

If you’re in agribusiness, you felt that slap.

If you’re in trade—you're bleeding already.

THE POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE: ELECTION 2025 IS A WAR REFERENDUM

Canada goes to the polls in June.

And it’s no longer about climate, or childcare, or housing.

It’s about survival.

Mark Carney, the economist-turned-PM, stands firm: “We won’t bend to bullies.”

Pierre Poilievre counters: “Trade peace at any cost.”

Two visions. One country on edge.

Business leaders? You’d better start hedging.

ENTER: RISEWITHNORTH – CANADA’S COUNTERPUNCH

If you’re a Canadian SME still clinging to NAFTA nostalgia, you’re already five steps behind.

It’s time to diversify—or die trying.

RiseWithNorth is your real-time response system.

It’s not a directory.

It’s not a newsletter.

It’s a living, breathing global B2B network engineered for this exact moment.

  • Connect with verified global suppliers.
  • Get analytics that flag market threats before they hit.

We aren’t here to “support.”

We’re here to supercharge.

THE TRUTH? THIS IS THE NEW NORMAL.

  • The Bank of Canada estimates this trade war will cut national output by 2.5%—permanently.

Ottawa's Response: A $6.5 Billion Lifeline

In response, the Canadian government has announced a $6.5 billion aid package. The Trade Impact Program allocates $5 billion over two years to help businesses cope with decreased U.S. sales and reach new global markets. Additionally, $500 million is available for business loans, and $1 billion is earmarked for the agricultural sector.

  • Over 42,000 small businesses are at risk if they don’t pivot.

European markets are opening. So are Latin America and Southeast Asia.

But they won’t wait.

CLOSE STRONG, ACT FASTER.

The trade war is no longer a headline. It’s your P&L.

You can’t tariff-proof your business. But you can make it untouchable.

Diversify. Digitize. Defend. With RiseWithNorth.

Because the next trade war headline... could have your company’s name in it.

Trade Wars are Breaking Businesses, here's how Canadian Companies can Win

04/26/2025
by Jay Thakkar

WHEN GIANTS FIGHT, SMART BUSINESSES RISE

Why Canadian Companies Need RiseWithNorth Right Now

THE TRADE WAR ISN’T COMING. IT’S HERE.

THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC BATTLEFIELD

In 2025, the world finds itself in the throes of an escalating trade war, with the United States and China at the epicenter. President Donald Trump has intensified tariffs, imposing a 10% universal tariff and a staggering 145% on Chinese imports, aiming to bolster domestic production and reduce trade deficits. China, in a strategic move, has exempted certain U.S. semiconductors from tariffs, signaling a cautious de-escalation.

APPLE'S STRATEGIC SHIFT

In response to the volatile trade environment, Apple plans to relocate its iPhone assembly for the U.S. market from China to India by the end of next year. This move aims to mitigate the impact of U.S. tariffs and diversify its supply chain amidst slowing iPhone sales and increasing competition in China. ​

CANADA'S POSITION IN THE CROSSHAIRS

Canada, traditionally a close ally of the U.S., finds itself navigating a complex landscape. In alignment with Western allies, Canada imposed a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum products, citing unfair trade practices. China retaliated with tariffs on Canadian agricultural exports, including a 100% tariff on rapeseed oil and a 25% tariff on pork.​

DOMESTIC RESPONSE: BUY CANADIAN

In a surge of national solidarity, Canadians have rallied behind domestic products. A poll revealed that 98% of Canadians are actively seeking 'Made in Canada' products, with 85% replacing American goods where possible. Social media groups promoting Canadian products have gained significant traction, reflecting a collective effort to support the national economy. ​

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS AND FUTURE OUTLOOK

The trade tensions have led to increased costs for consumers, particularly in sectors reliant on imports like solar energy and automotive industries. Tariffs on Chinese solar products and critical minerals are expected to raise prices and potentially delay infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the potential for U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods poses a significant risk, given that approximately 20% of Canadian GDP is tied to exports to the U.S. ​

CANADA: IN THE LINE OF FIRE

Our government isn’t sitting still.

  • 100% tariffs slapped on Chinese electric vehicles.
  • 25% tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum.

China hit back.

  • 100% tariffs on Canadian rapeseed oil.
  • 25% tariffs on pork exports.

And the United States?

They're hinting at new tariffs on Canadian goods — a direct threat to the 20% of our economy tied to U.S. exports.

THE SOLUTION: RISEWITHNORTH

You don’t survive a trade war by waiting.

You survive by connecting smarter.

You survive by selling smarter.

You survive by buying smarter.

RiseWithNorth is Canada’s answer.

A proudly Canadian B2B platform.

  • Connecting Canadian businesses to global buyers and suppliers — fast.
  • Helping you diversify beyond the U.S. and China.
  • Helping you find reliable Canadian and international partners now — while your competitors are still panicking.

Think of RiseWithNorth as the strongest bridge across a collapsing global economy.

No middlemen. No politics. Just opportunity.

CANADIANS ARE BUYING CANADIAN. ARE YOU READY?

  • 98% of Canadians say they’re choosing Canadian-made products.
  • 85% say they’re replacing American goods right now.

(Source: Wikipedia)

If your business isn’t ready to meet that demand, someone else will.

RISE.

EXPAND.

DOMINATE.

WITH RISEWITHNORTH.

Secure your future while others are still stuck in the past.

Canada’s Global Trade Pivot: Inside the B2B Platform Redefining Business in 2025

04/25/2025
by Jay Thakkar


Canada's Trade Triumph

The Great Canadian Snapback: How a Nation is Turning Tariffs into Trade Triumph — and Why RiseWithNorth is Leading the Charge

When the United States swung the first punch in 2025's economic slugfest, Canada didn’t just block — it countered. With grit. With grit. And with something far more powerful than tariffs: transformation.

A Trade War that Sparked a National Awakening

In March 2025, the U.S. dropped a bombshell — sweeping tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, energy, and more, framed under a shaky “national security” clause. Canada hit back immediately, slapping $30 billion in counter-tariffs on American-made goods — everything from peanut butter to motorcycles.

But this wasn’t just diplomacy in gloves. It was a wake-up call.

Suddenly, Canadian shelves cleared of U.S. alcohol. Consumers began boycotting U.S. goods and travel. And 91% of Canadians said what we were all thinking: It’s time to stop depending on America. Enter RiseWithNorth: Canada’s Global B2B Gateway

As trade relationships fractured, Canadian businesses asked: Where do we go from here?

RiseWithNorth.ca emerged as the answer — a bold, border-breaking platform helping Canadian businesses reach new heights at home and across the globe.

Here’s how:

  • Global Reach, Canadian Roots: RiseWithNorth connects Canadian sellers with international buyers, and vice versa — all while maintaining a homegrown foundation.
  • Local Sourcing, Global Selling: Whether you're a Nova Scotia manufacturer or a Toronto distributor, you can source locally and sell globally — in the same dashboard.
  • Verified B2B Connections: AI-powered matching tools pair Canadian suppliers with vetted buyers around the world, cutting through the noise and shortening deal cycles.
  • Supply Chain Strength: Businesses use RiseWithNorth to diversify their supply chains, reduce tariff exposure, and insulate against trade disruptions.

In short: It’s Canada’s B2B trade firewall — and global launchpad — in one platform.

Industries Under Fire, And How They’re Adapting

Energy: Canadian oil & gas companies like Saturn Oil are thriving by leaning into smart hedging and domestic strength. Others are turning to new international buyers via RiseWithNorth, cutting ties with volatile U.S. dependencies.

Agriculture: With 35% of beef exports previously going south, Canadian ranchers are looking east — to Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. RiseWithNorth is opening those doors.

Manufacturing: Hit by tariffs and blocked from U.S. deals, Canadian manufacturers are using RiseWithNorth to build new relationships in the EU, Australia, and LATAM — markets eager for high-quality Canadian products.

Beyond Business: A National Shift in Behaviour

Canadians aren’t just trading differently — they’re thinking differently:

  • 22% drop in U.S. tourism from Canada (March 2025)
  • Rapid growth in domestic spending
  • Surging public support for “Made in Canada” supply chains

And RiseWithNorth is helping businesses meet that demand, not just react to it.

Canada’s Election Is Now a Trade Referendum

From Mark Carney’s assertive diplomacy to Pierre Poilievre’s call for urgent renegotiations, the 2025 federal election is being shaped by one question:

“How do we protect Canadian business in a hostile trade climate?”

The real answer? We don’t just protect. We pivot. We scale. We build new global bridges.

And that’s exactly what RiseWithNorth is doing.

Bottom Line: RiseWithNorth Is the Platform for the New Canadian Era

This trade war didn’t break Canada.

It unleashed it.

If you're a Canadian business ready to source smarter, sell further, and grow without borders, you're not waiting for trade agreements to catch up. You're joining the platform that already has:

RiseWithNorth.ca — Canada's B2B connection to the world.

The Trade War No One Can Ignore: Protect Your Business Before the Next U.S. Blow

04/24/2025
by Jay Thakkar

CANADA VS. AMERICA: THE $155 BILLION TRADE WAR THAT COULD BREAK YOUR BUSINESS

WAR AT THE BORDER: WHEN THE U.S. ATTACKS, CANADA HITS BACK HARDER

Washington thought Canada would blink. They were wrong.

On April 23, 2025, the United States threatened to hike its 25% tariff on Canadian-made vehicles. That’s right—America wants to kneecap our auto industry under the guise of "protecting domestic jobs."

Canada didn’t flinch. It fired back.

Ottawa slapped a $155 billion tariff package on a long list of U.S. goods—from peanut butter and pulp to motorcycles and makeup. The first $30 billion kicked in February. The next $125 billion is locked, loaded, and waiting for public input.

This isn’t a trade dispute anymore. It’s economic warfare.

LINDT'S STRATEGIC SHAKE-UP: A CHOCOLATE COMPANY SHOWS US HOW TO FIGHT BACK

Even chocolate isn’t safe in this trade war.

Lindt & Sprüngli, the Swiss chocolatier with a strong Canadian presence, paused a plan to shift its supply chain away from the U.S. Instead, they’re playing smart: boosting inventory levels locally, hedging against further disruption, and preparing for a world where cross-border trade is no longer a given (Reuters).

Why does that matter?

Because if a global titan like Lindt is pivoting fast, you should be sprinting.

⚙️ YOUR INDUSTRY IS IN THE CROSSFIRE—WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT

Let’s break down what this means for your business.

  • Auto Parts: 25% tariffs on Canadian vehicles will drive up costs. American retaliation means fewer exports, more layoffs, and shattered supply chains.
  • Agriculture: Canada’s beef, dairy, and grain sectors are staring down U.S. tariffs. Farmers could lose billions in lost exports.
  • Tech & Manufacturing: From semiconductors to machine parts—expect price hikes and delivery delays on everything you once bought cheap from the States.
  • Retail & Consumer Goods: Higher costs on U.S. goods = angry customers and tighter margins. Welcome to your new business reality.

RISEWITHNORTH: YOUR TARIFF WAR PLAYBOOK

When bombs are falling, you don’t call your accountant.
You call RiseWithNorth.

We’re not just a B2B platform. We’re Canada’s business defence network. Here’s how we protect you when others panic:

  • Find Canadian and Global Suppliers Fast – Our curated B2B marketplace connects you with reliable, vetted Canadian and Global manufacturers and wholesalers.
  • Real-Time Trade Intelligence – You’ll get insider updates on every tariff twist, currency shift, and government subsidy that could impact your margins.
  • Survive the Shake-Up – Learn how to access government grants, tariff rebates, and funding programs before your competition even hears about them.

While others scramble, you’ll be two steps ahead.

THE U.S. NEEDS US MORE THAN WE NEED THEM—BUT ONLY IF WE ACT

Here’s a stat no one in Washington likes to admit:

Canada buys more American goods than China, Japan, France, and the UK combined.

Yet they hit us with tariffs like we’re their backyard factory.

This ends here.

Canada’s $155B counterpunch is a statement of sovereignty, and if you’re a Canadian business, you’re now on the front lines of history. What you do next—who you trade with, how fast you adapt, where you get your insights—will decide whether you survive or fall.

✅ WHAT TO DO NOW (Before the Next Round of Tariffs Land)

  • ✔️ Audit your supply chain – Identify U.S. dependency and shift to Canadian vendors.
  • ✔️ Use RiseWithNorth to find verified local B2B partners.
  • Cut the fat – Streamline operations before rising costs bite deeper.

CANADA’S NOT BACKING DOWN. NEITHER SHOULD YOU.

If you’re hoping this tariff war will blow over, we’ve got news for you:
It’s not.

But with the right strategy, you won’t just survive—you’ll thrive.

Join the growing wave of smart Canadian businesses using RiseWithNorth to outmaneuver the chaos.

Get clarity. Get support. Get competitive.

Conclusion: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

The $155 billion tariff package is more than just a retaliatory measure—it’s a testament to Canada’s resilience and commitment to protecting its economic interests. While the immediate effects may be challenging, this strategic response sends a clear message: Canada will not stand idly by when its businesses and workers are unfairly targeted.

For Canadian businesses, this is a pivotal moment to reassess strategies, embrace innovation, and advocate for policies that foster a fair and competitive trade environment. RiseWithNorth stands ready to support you in navigating these turbulent times, providing insights, resources, and a platform to connect with fellow Canadian and Global enterprises. Canada fights with tariffs. You fight with better business decisions.

What Every Canadian Businesses Needs to Know Before Tariffs Wipe Out Their Margins

04/23/2025
by Jay Thakkar


THE TARIFF BOMB HAS DROPPED. NOW WHAT?

THE TARIFF BOMB HAS DROPPED. NOW WHAT?

The U.S. has declared a trade war. Markets are in free fall. Supply chains are choking. Canadian businesses are holding their breath. But one platform is helping them breathe again: RiseWithNorth.

APRIL 22, 2025: THE DAY THE WORLD TRADED PEACE FOR TARIFFS

Yesterday, the United States escalated its economic aggression, slapping sweeping 10–25% tariffs on billions worth of imports — including critical Canadian goods like steel, aluminum, energy, and auto parts. The move triggered:

  • A 1,600+ point drop in the Dow Jones.
  • Canada’s S&P/TSX Index sinking 429 points, wiping out Q1 gains.
  • The loonie tumbling to 72.4 cents USD, the lowest since 2020.
  • Panic in boardrooms from Toronto to Vancouver.

It’s not just a trade war. It’s an economic earthquake.

CANADA STRIKES BACK — HARD

Ottawa didn’t blink. Within hours, Canada rolled out a $155 billion tariff counterstrike aimed at U.S. goods. Beer. Electronics. Farm equipment. Automobiles. All hit.

Then came the steel tariffs. Another $29.8 billion, laser-focused on American imports. The message from Parliament Hill? Canada bows to no one.

But even as policymakers stand tall, Canadian businesses are caught in the crossfire.

COLLATERAL DAMAGE: WHO’S HURTING NOW?

  • Auto manufacturers are struggling to source U.S. parts. Assembly lines are stalling. Costs are ballooning.
  • Farmers face higher export costs and lower demand. The Canadian Meat Council warns of a “multi-year setback.”
  • Retailers are watching margins evaporate as input costs surge.
  • Tech companies are being priced out of key components.

Every dollar lost to tariffs is a dollar that could’ve gone to hiring, innovation, or expansion.

ENTER RISEWITHNORTH: CANADA’S TRADE WAR SHIELD

When borders close, connections matter. That’s where RiseWithNorth comes in.

RiseWithNorth is a B2B platform built for Canadian resilience — a digital fortress where global buyers, local suppliers, and manufacturers converge. It’s not just a marketplace. It’s a survival toolkit.

Why RiseWithNorth is Mission-Critical in 2025:

  • Rewire Your Supply Chain: Skip tariff-trapped U.S. partners. Find alternative suppliers right here at home — or in friendlier trade zones like Europe and Southeast Asia.
  • Expand Your Buyer Network: Access a curated global audience hungry for Canadian goods — without the trade war markup.
  • Fortify Your Bottom Line: Connect directly with manufacturers to lower costs, reduce risk, and speed up delivery timelines.
  • Get Heard in Ottawa: RiseWithNorth doesn’t just serve businesses — it advocates for them, with a voice in policy discussions that matter.

This isn’t just e-commerce. It’s economic independence.

THE GLOBAL AFTERSHOCKS

The IMF slashed global growth forecasts yesterday. The world’s economic engines — from Germany to Japan — are slowing under the weight of tariffs. The U.S. is expected to grow just 1.8% in 2025, down from 2.9% just three months ago. And Canada? Analysts now warn of a technical recession by Q3 if exports don’t stabilize.

“WE WERE BLINDSIDED — RISEWITHNORTH SAVED US.”

That’s the real talk from the ground. Canadian businesses that embraced RiseWithNorth early are now re-routing goods, re-finding customers, and re-imagining growth. The rest? They’re playing catch-up.

THIS IS OUR ECONOMIC BATTLE. THIS IS OUR PLATFORM.

In 2025, your survival doesn’t depend on Wall Street, Washington, or Ottawa.

It depends on how fast you adapt.

And the fastest, smartest, boldest way forward?

Trade War 2.0: The World is on Fire — And Canadian Business Can Still Win

04/22/2025
by Jay Thakkar


Trade War 2.0: The World is on Fire

Trade War 2.0: The World is on Fire — And Canadian Business Can Still Win

If you're a Canadian business depending on trade, wake up. The world has changed overnight. This isn't a drill. This is a full-scale economic crossfire. But while others are panicking, you should be preparing—with RiseWithNorth, the platform built in Canada, for Canadians, to help you thrive in a trade-crippled world.

"The most dangerous time for global trade since WWII"

In April 2025, China issued a chilling warning to the world: Any country that signs trade deals with the United States at China’s expense should be ready to face the consequences. This wasn't a veiled threat. It was a geopolitical cannon blast. China’s Ministry of Commerce accused the U.S. of "weaponizing trade" and vowed "reciprocal and punitive" measures.

Meanwhile, American tariffs are spreading like wildfire. Steel. EVs. Agricultural goods. You name it, and there’s probably a tariff slapped on it. Canada isn’t just collateral damage anymore—we’re on the front lines.

“This is not protectionism. This is economic warfare with Excel spreadsheets and sanctions.”
— Globe & Mail columnist on the April 2025 developments

Ford's Collapse is the Canary in the Economic Coal Mine

Let’s talk about Ford Motor Co.—a symbol of American industrial strength.

  • Their 2025 earnings projection dropped by $2 billion.
  • Their stock plummeted 11% after the Q1 report.
  • CEO Jim Farley blamed falling vehicle prices, high launch costs, and tariffs for gutting their profits.

And if Ford can’t handle the heat, how will your small business?

“We’ve entered a new economic era,” Farley said. “Trade is now a political weapon, not a marketplace strategy.”

Canada’s Counterpunch: $155 Billion in Retaliatory Tariffs

Canada fought back with a vengeance. The federal government just launched $155 billion in tariffs against the U.S. in retaliation. We’re targeting:

  • American beef
  • Consumer electronics
  • Automobiles
  • And even green tech like EV components

But let’s be honest: Tariffs don’t just hit "them"—they hit us, too. Prices spike. Supplies dry up. Small and medium businesses suffer while governments posture.

If you’re a Canadian SME caught in the crosshairs, the question is simple:

How do you survive a trade war without becoming a casualty of it?

The Answer is RiseWithNorth

RiseWithNorth is not just a platform. It’s a lifeline. Built by Canadians who understand the chaos of global trade, it’s your B2B fortress against instability.

What You Get:

  • Resilient Supply Chains: Tap into a vetted network of Canadian and global suppliers not bound to high-risk trade lanes.
  • Live Tariff Tracking: Stay ahead of the curve with real-time data on tariffs, duties, and shipping impacts.
  • Canadian-Centric Trade Tools: From sourcing to distribution, everything is designed with Canada’s trade reality in mind.
  • Diversification by Default: Stop putting all your chips on U.S. trade. Connect with vetted partners across Europe, LATAM, and Asia.
  • Profit-Friendly, Not Policy-Chained: RiseWithNorth strips out the red tape and middlemen, letting you trade directly—and save money, even during a global trade meltdown.

Don’t Whisper in a Trade War. SHOUT.

This is not the time for timid decisions. This is the time to make bold moves and beat the big boys at their own game.

While multinational conglomerates are stuck in bureaucracy and lobbying, you can pivot, adapt, and win.

If you're still relying on old trade habits, you’re already behind.

This Is Your Trade Wake-Up Call

Don't wait for Ottawa. Don’t bet on Washington. And don’t assume the trade war will ‘blow over.’ That’s how businesses go under.

This war is here. It’s real. And it’s getting worse before it gets better.

“Globalization is no longer the rule. Strategic independence is the new north star.”
— World Economic Forum, April 2025

With RiseWithNorth, you don’t just survive. You thrive.

Because when the old roads are closed, we build new ones.

Ready to Fight Back?

Rebuild your supply chain
Protect your profits
Make trade work for you again
RiseWithNorth
The B2B trade solution built for Canada. Built for now.

Trump’s Tariffs Are Crippling Canada — Here’s the B2B Platform Fighting Back

04/19/2025
by Jay Thakkar

Canada Is Under Siege.

The Trade War Just Got Personal — Here’s How RiseWithNorth Becomes Your Economic Armor

By: [Yukta Patel], Founder, RiseWithNorth

“Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.”
— David Ogilvy

And right now, Canadian businesses can’t afford to bunt. The world’s trading field is on fire, and we’re up to bat with broken bats and no gloves—unless we adapt.

So here’s the brutal truth:

The Tariff Tsunami That’s Crippling Canada

The U.S. has launched another economic blitz.

President Trump 2.0 just slapped 25% tariffs on almost all Canadian exports—automobiles, lumber, dairy, and even tech components.

China responded in kind:

100% tariffs on Canadian grain and seafood.

Mexico? Tightening its export rules.

The EU? Watching nervously from the sidelines.

And Canada? We’re caught in the crossfire, bleeding billions.

“A once-in-a-century shock.”
— Bank of Canada

And here’s the kicker—this is just the beginning.

Government Aid: Lipstick on a Sinking Pig

Ottawa’s solution?

A $5 billion bandage to cover a $40 billion trade wound. Yes, we’ll take it. But let’s be real:

That’s not innovation.

That’s not infrastructure.

That’s not sustainable.

Canadian businesses are being told to "pivot."

But no one's giving us the damn compass.

Until now.

RiseWithNorth: Your Business’ Bulletproof Vest

Let me make this clear: RiseWithNorth isn’t a website. It’s a war room.

Born out of necessity, we are Canada’s first-ever dedicated B2B platform built to keep our businesses alive, competitive, and globally connected—no matter the economic battlefield.

We are not just reacting.

We are redefining.

Here’s how:

1. End the U.S. Dependency

Over 75% of Canada’s trade is U.S.-centric. That’s not strategy. That’s suicide.

On RiseWithNorth, you connect directly with vetted buyers, sellers, manufacturers, and distributors from Europe, Southeast Asia, LATAM, Africa, and the Middle East.

2. Replace Tariff-Bloated Supply Chains

Your current suppliers just got 30% more expensive.

Use our AI-driven sourcing engine to instantly find alternate suppliers not impacted by U.S./China tariffs. Canadian? Even better. Regional? Let’s grow local together.

3. Get Real-Time Market Intel

The world is moving faster than your spreadsheet.

Access up-to-the-hour dashboards tracking global tariffs, trade routes, commodity prices, and demand shifts in emerging markets. All inside your dashboard. No fluff, no filler.

4. Digital Tools for a New Era

This isn’t the 1980s. Fax machines won’t save you.

Automate your RFQs, manage cross-border payments, translate contracts, and integrate logistics APIs—all in one platform.

Why We Built This

Because Canada deserves better than being a pawn in the world’s power games.

Because no entrepreneur should have their dream killed by tariffs.

Because this country was built by people who rose, not those who waited.

And because we got sick of seeing Canada’s businesses suffer while Silicon Valley gets richer.

"If you can’t explain your position in one sentence, you don’t know what you’re doing."

So here it is:

RiseWithNorth helps Canadian businesses survive this trade war, thrive beyond it, and build something that can’t be broken by tariffs, treaties, or tantrums.

Time to Fight Back

The rules of global trade have changed.

You can complain.

You can collapse.

Or you can Rise.

Build a business that wins—regardless of Washington.

It’s our time to stop playing defense.

From Crisis to Competitive Edge: Why the Trade War Is Canada’s Moment

04/18/2025
by Jay Thakkar

TARIFFS. TENSIONS. TOTAL DISRUPTION. IS YOUR BUSINESS READY FOR THE NEW WORLD ORDER?

The U.S. has launched a trade war. China has answered. Canada is in the middle of a trillion-dollar tug-of-war. And if you're not rethinking how your business moves, buys, sells, or ships—you're already behind.

2025: THE YEAR THE RULES CHANGED

March 2025 wasn’t just another month in trade news. It was a turning point.

The U.S., under President Trump’s return to the global stage, slapped sweeping tariffs on Canadian aluminum, steel, dairy, and electric vehicles. Not to be outdone, Canada responded with a $155 billion counter-offensive, targeting everything from American peanut butter to pickup trucks.

This isn't politics. This is economic warfare. And if you're running a Canadian business, you're not a bystander. You're in the blast radius.

Forget WTO rules. This is survival of the most agile. And the only way forward is to pivot hard, fast, and smart.

THE OLD WAY? IT’S DEAD.
THE NEW WAY? RISEWITHNORTH.

Supply chains that once relied on goods from the U.S.? Compromised.

Selling to the same regional buyers you’ve sold to for 10 years? Too narrow.

Sourcing only from known vendors? Too risky.

That’s where RiseWithNorth steps in—not as a feel-good “buy local” campaign, but as a real-time B2B trade infrastructure designed to help Canadian businesses find both local and global suppliers, manufacturers, and verified buyers across industries and borders.

This isn’t a directory. It’s a digital trade accelerator.

Think of it as the control tower for your modern supply chain—where you can:

  • ✔️ Discover new buyers in Canada, the U.K., Germany, India, and beyond
  • ✔️ Replace disrupted U.S. suppliers with vetted partners across Europe or Southeast Asia
  • ✔️ Promote your products and services to a curated B2B marketplace
  • ✔️ Expand beyond your province, your country—and build true trade resilience
  • ✔️ Monitor market shifts and tariff updates—so you never get caught off guard again

You’re not just joining a platform. You’re building a fortress.

TRADE WARS AREN’T WON IN PARLIAMENT.
THEY’RE WON IN YOUR SUPPLY CHAIN.

Let’s look at the facts.

  • The U.S. reimposed 25% duties on Canadian steel and aluminum.
  • Canada responded with a tit-for-tat tariff package, targeting U.S. metals, cars, and agricultural goods.
  • China hit Canadian pork, peas, and oilseeds in retaliation to our alignment with U.S. sanctions on Chinese EVs.
  • The EU has floated its own retaliatory measures.

This isn’t a skirmish. This is a full-blown reshuffling of global trade dynamics. And small-to-medium Canadian businesses? You're on the front lines.

Every shipping delay, price spike, or tariff hike could squeeze your margins dry.

You need more than just resilience. You need a battle-tested growth strategy.

CANADIAN, YES. BUT BUILT FOR THE WORLD.

While many platforms try to build local-only trade ecosystems, RiseWithNorth was designed from the ground up for scale, sovereignty, and global connectivity.

Our mission? To give Canadian businesses the tools they need to compete globally, with:

  • ✅ Built-in compliance filters so you're not caught offside by foreign policy shifts
  • ✅ Customizable product & service listings that adapt to buyer segments from India to Ireland
  • ✅ Real-time insights and analytics so you know where demand is rising—before your competitors do
  • ✅ Secure communication tools to negotiate, close, and manage partnerships globally, all in one place

We didn’t build a B2B marketplace. We built a Canadian trade weapon.

"THE BEST ADVERTISING IS TRUTH." — DAVID OGILVY

SO HERE IT IS:

If you're still relying on outdated logistics, fragile U.S. partners, or legacy trade deals to carry your company forward in 2025, you're playing Russian roulette with your bottom line.

The good news?

Every economic disruption opens up new markets, new buyers, and new ways to grow.

The winners in this new era will be the companies that:

  • Act fast
  • Diversify globally
  • Digitize their sales and sourcing
  • Build resilience across provinces and continents

SO, WHAT NOW?

You can wait and hope the tariffs go away. Or you can make a move.

Here’s your move:

➡️ Go to RiseWithNorth.ca

➡️ Create your business profile

➡️ Start connecting with vetted Canadian and global partners

➡️ Future-proof your supply chain

➡️ Expand your business beyond borders, barriers, and broken politics

RISEWITHNORTH.CA Secure. Built for Business. Global by Design. Proudly Canadian.

Join the network that helps Canadian businesses trade smarter, faster, and safer—in any climate.

Gold Hits the Sky. Tariffs Hit the Fan. Here's How Canadian Businesses Can Still Rise.

04/17/2025
by Jay Thakkar

Gold Hits the Sky. Tariffs Hit the Fan. Here's How Canadian Businesses Can Still Rise.


If you’re a Canadian business owner in 2025, here’s what your morning probably looks like:

  • You sip your coffee.
  • You scroll the headlines.
  • You wince.

Because the news isn’t good.

President Donald Trump is back in office—and back to his old playbook: tariffs, tariffs, and more tariffs. The trade war with China? Reignited. Canada? Caught in the crossfire. And while politicians spar, you are left staring at a balance sheet that’s starting to bleed.

Meanwhile, in the background of this geopolitical spectacle, gold just quietly hit an all-time high of $3,357.40 an ounce. That’s not just a market signal. That’s a screaming alarm bell.

So what does all this mean? And more importantly, what do you do now?

Let’s break it down.

Trump’s Trade Tsunami: The World Just Got More Expensive

President Trump has returned to power with a vengeance. His latest moves?

  • 245% tariffs on Chinese imports.
  • A 25% blanket tariff on Canadian goods, including manufacturing, lumber, and even agricultural exports.
  • A 24% hit on Japanese imports, with more promised if “balance” isn’t restored.
  • Oh, and don’t forget the energy sector—even that gets clipped with a 10% surcharge.

These tariffs are designed to punish. But they don’t just punish foreign governments. They punish you—the entrepreneur, the manufacturer, the exporter, the supply chain optimizer.

Gold Hits Record Highs: The Smart Money Is Running for Cover

While politicians feud and markets tumble, savvy investors are making moves. And one thing’s clear: they’re buying gold.

Gold just rocketed past $3,350/oz, a level not even seen during the COVID-19 crash or the 2008 financial crisis. Why?

Because gold is certainty in a world full of chaos. It's the original safe haven. When currencies wobble, when markets spiral, when inflation bites—gold doesn’t blink.

In fact, investment giants like Goldman Sachs and UBS are now projecting gold could hit $3,500 or higher by year’s end.

This isn’t just a gold rush. It’s a confidence crisis.

The Real Impact: Inflation, Supply Chain Shock, and Paralysis

Let’s bring it closer to home. What’s all this doing to your business?

  • Input costs are spiking. Raw materials from the U.S., China, or Japan? All up 15–40% overnight.
  • Customer demand is unpredictable. Retailers like Temu and Shein are already raising prices—and you may be next.
  • Export markets are tightening. Global partners are skittish. And with currency fluctuations on top of tariffs, it’s a minefield.
  • Even the S&P 500 is sliding, down over 2% this week alone. The Fed is stuck between raising rates to calm inflation or cutting them to prevent recession.

You don’t have time to wait for them to figure it out.

Here’s Where RiseWithNorth Comes In

This is not the first economic storm. But it may be the most complex.

RiseWithNorth is your economic compass.

We’re not here to offer generic advice. We’re here to:

  • Audit your current risk exposure to new tariffs and regulatory barriers.
  • Optimize your supply chain to lower costs and find non-tariff-affected alternatives.
  • Expand your global reach beyond the U.S. and China. Yes, there are still open markets.
  • Create a hedge strategy that includes currency planning and, yes, even smart asset allocations (hello, gold?).
  • Equip you with government grants and incentives still available to agile Canadian companies.

You don’t just want to survive this. You want to lead through it.

This Is Your Moment to Rise

David Ogilvy once said, “Don’t bunt. Aim out of the ballpark.”

In the face of rising tariffs and soaring gold, it’s easy to play defense. To pull back. To wait and watch.

But fortune rewards the bold—especially those who are prepared.

At RiseWithNorth, we help Canadian businesses not just react—but pivot, adapt, and thrive.

So while others panic, you’ll be positioned to grow. To scale. To win.

  • ✅ The tariffs are real.
  • ✅ The price of gold is a warning sign.
  • ✅ But with the right partner, this could be your breakout year.

Let us help you Rise.

#RiseWithNorth #TariffSurvival #GoldStandard #CanadianBusiness #TradeStrategy #EconomicResilience #SupplyChainSolutions #GlobalMarkets #HedgeYourBets #CanadaFirst

This Isn’t a Trade War. It’s a Trade Awakening

04/16/2025
by Jay Thakkar

WHEN THE U.S. SLAMS THE DOOR, CANADA BUILDS A NEW HOUSE

This Isn’t a Trade War. It’s a Trade Awakening

Subhead: America just taxed your future. Ottawa’s fighting back. But what are you doing about it?

This isn’t a drill. It’s a declaration.

In Washington, President Trump isn’t just tweeting anymore. He’s taxing.

A full-blown 25% tariff just landed on Canadian steel, aluminum, auto parts, and dozens of other exports. No warning. No apologies. Just a cold, calculated move wrapped in “America First” rhetoric.

Canada? We didn’t flinch.

Ottawa counterpunched with a $155 billion tariff package aimed at U.S. imports, shielding our industries and sending a message: Canada won’t be pushed around.

And yet… if you’re a Canadian business owner, you’re stuck in the crossfire.

What happens when you tax a supply chain?

You break it.

You disrupt manufacturers. You inflate costs. You delay shipments. You force companies to choose between absorbing losses and passing them to their customers.

This isn’t theory. This is Tuesday morning in Mississauga, Wednesday afternoon in Trois-Rivières, and every damn day in Edmonton.

And if you think this is over, think again. With the U.S. presidential election looming, tariff brinkmanship is political gold south of the border.

Your business can’t afford to wait it out.

Enter: Ottawa’s “Tariff Loan Lifeline”

To keep large enterprises afloat, the Canadian government has rolled out a Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility. Low-interest financing. Emergency relief. A way to stay liquid while fighting through the fog of war.

It’s a good move. But it’s not a strategy. It’s not your backup plan.

And it sure as hell isn’t a growth play.

You don’t need a lifeline. You need a launchpad.

That’s where RiseWithNorth comes in.

RiseWithNorth isn’t a subsidy. It’s a solution.

We’re not a grant. We’re a growth engine.

We connect Canadian producers, manufacturers, exporters, and suppliers with new markets, smarter logistics, and a resilient B2B ecosystem that doesn’t tremble every time the U.S. has a political mood swing.

What RiseWithNorth does for you:

  • Find new buyers – If the U.S. market turns hostile, we’ll help you find a dozen others who aren’t. Asia. Europe. Latin America.

  • Secure your supply chain – We match you with domestic and allied vendors to reduce risk and tariff exposure.

  • Educate your trade team – With real-time intelligence on shifting tariff laws, you’ll never be blindsided again.

  • Give you negotiating power – Our network gives you leverage. Your business gets noticed.

  • Build a future-proof brand – One that doesn’t beg for access to a market that’s holding your profits hostage.

Remember this:

When President Trump taxes your exports, he’s not targeting your business. He’s targeting Canada.

And the only thing worse than being targeted… is standing still while it happens.

Final word:

RiseWithNorth isn’t just a platform. It’s an act of economic defiance.

We are Canadian commerce, reinvented – independent, unshaken, and ready to rise.

Because when others raise walls, we build bridges.

Join RiseWithNorth today.

Because Canada doesn’t wait for permission to succeed.