Guide | What Vancouver's Metal Arts Community needs to know about the new tariffs (implemented Feb 4)
- Ingrid Valou
- Feb 2
- 5 min read
Updated: Feb 3
Update:
Following conversations on Monday, Feb 3, between the respective Canadian and U.S. heads of government, Trump announced a 30-day delay to the U.S.'s 25% tariff implementation. The Government of Canada may respond in kind with a delay of their own. This is a fast-changing situation. In the interim, it is always a good opportunity to explore how to risk-proof your supply chains.
Story to be updated soon.
Original blog:
On February 4, 2025, the Canadian government will impose 25% tariffs on $30 billion worth of goods imported from the United States, directly responding to U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. This means that tariffs are applied directly against the value of the product. The list of affected products is extensive and includes several categories that impact the jewellery industry — notably items made with or clad with precious metals (findings, chain, mounts, components), loose diamonds (including lab diamonds), jewellery boxes, and various types of hand tools used by jewellers and metalsmiths, such as files, rasps, and hammers.
The jewellery and creative metals fields are famous for using materials and tools with long supply chains, often passing back and forth over the Canadian-U.S. border. These kinds of supply chains are the most vulnerable to disruption during this kind of economic conflict.
This guide explains the early implications of what this could mean for creative metalsmiths, jewellery designers, businesspeople, and brokers. It will be updated routinely with new information and suppliers. If you would like to share a local supplier, refiner, or other resource for our community, please drop us a note at ivalou@vancouvermetalarts.com.
In this guide:
Understanding the tariff rollout (What is and is not covered?)
What to do next (Assess your supply chain, assess your operations, support local suppliers)
Local suppliers (Leads and suggestions)
Understanding the tariff rollout
The new tariffs will apply only to goods originating in the U.S. under the applicable regulations. Notably, products already in transit to Canada on February 4, 2025, are exempt. This exemption creates a critical window for businesses: suppliers with one‑day turnaround times such as Rio and Stuller — offer a 24‑hour buffer. In practice, jewellery businesses must ensure that orders are placed at least one day ahead so that items are en route before the tariffs take effect.
Ultimately, the tariffs force metal artists, designers, suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers to reexamine supply chains to minimize any added expenses. Below are a few notable items.
Items made with or clad with precious metals
Many essential materials significant to the jewellery industry will have tariffs levied on February 4. Tariffs on precious metals and items made with precious metals will increase production costs, affecting overall pricing and margins. Moreover, the cost of gold in Canada is at an all-time high.
...including findings and components
An uptick in costs for imported findings, such as clasps, connectors, blanks, and earring backs could lead to adjustments in pricing strategies throughout the supply chain. Ultimately, the final cost of many pieces may rise due to the tariff, putting pressure on makers to absorb the cost, pass it on to consumers, and/or explore design alternatives.
Hand tools and specialized workshop tools
Jewellery fabrication relies not only on raw materials but also on precision tools. Also named in the tariffs are hammers, anvils, machine tools, portable forges, vices, clamps, and drilling, threading or tapping tools. Tools imported from the US will incur the 25% tariff, potentially increasing the costs of replacement tools or growing operations.
Notable exceptions (for now)
As far as we can tell, most precious and semiprecious gemstones, loose stones, and bead strands appear to be omitted from the list for now. The Government of Canada has noted that an additional round of tariffs will come into play three weeks from now. The three-week grace period aims to give businesses, stockists, and suppliers the opportunity to adjust their supply chains.
What to do next
Strengthen and reassess for local supply chains
Turning to domestic sources not only helps bypass the extra tariff costs but also reinforces the regional jewellery community. See "Local suppliers" section below.
If you must, then place those last orders to U.S. suppliers — now
If you absolutely must get that final order in from an American supplier (such as Rio, Stuller, Foredom, or GRS/Glendo Corporation), there is a very small window to do so. The same-day or one-day shipping service provided by some of the most popular U.S. suppliers means that any jewellers or metalsmiths who typically order from them may have a window to avoid the tariffs. Failing to act within this narrow window could result in orders arriving after the tariff’s effective date, thereby incurring an extra 25‑per‑cent charge.
Never waste a crisis
This is an opportunity to rally behind our local suppliers. And it bears consideration that the contemporary jewellery art field is rooted in an exploration of alternate materials metals, and their relationship with bodies they adorn: how materials thought of lower value can be elevated by our bodies, and vice versa. What does this mean for our field? What could it mean?
Check out other resources for artists and businesses
Greater Vancouver Board of Trade has assembled a page of Tariff business resources that may be helpful. You can also take the survey telling them how tariffs will impact you, which could shape additional business advocacy efforts.
The BC Alliance for Arts resources page should probably be on your bookmarks bar.
Local suppliers
Local suppliers in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland offer a strategic alternative to U.S. imports, particularly for made-in-Canada, made-in-EU, or alternatives to American toolmakers.
For precious metals, suppliers such as Umicore and J.W. Histed provide reliable sourcing that can help offset supply chain disruptions. You can also always purchase bullion directly from various exchanges or smaller local refiners.
Please note that as this list grows with nominations from the community, it is best considered a series of leads for you to do your own research; being on this list does not necessarily translate to an informed endorsement by VMAA.
Local suppliers and shops (storefront footprint)
Lacy West (tools, findings, equipment)
Habsons (tools, findings, equipment)
J.W. Histed (loose diamonds, stones, metals)
Sarber Jewellers (precious metal sheet, casting)
Misfit Diamonds (loose large and melee diamonds and sapphires)
Capilano Rock and Gem (beads, gemstones, equipment, tools)
Mountain Gems (equipment, beads, gemstones, tools)
Rubble Rock and Gem (stone specimens, tools, equipment)
Working Silver (tools, metals)
Inherent (GIA-certified diamonds and gemstones)
Watier Findings (findings, components, connectors)
Lee Valley (equipment and tools)
B.C. and Canadian refiners and suppliers
Umicore (precious metal sheet, wire, tubing, grain)
Emporium Vitreum (Ontario-based enamel supplies and tools)
Gesswein Canada (tools, equipment, etc.)
Sassounian Jewellery Supplies (Montreal-based equipment and tools)
We'll do our best to update this list.
Looking ahead
We are just recovering from the impacts of the pandemic, and the outlook is painfully uncertain. The Canadian government’s countermeasures will remain in place until U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods are lifted, meaning this period of adjustment may simply become a new reality. We encourage metal studios, jewellers, and all artists to risk-proof their supply chains as the federal government prepares to bring up the cost of items. We definitely encourage you to buy from local makers and brokers and to be patient with supply chain disruptions.
We will do our best to update this article as new information emerges, ensuring that our community has the latest insights to navigate these challenging economic conditions. Strengthening local ties, staying informed, and staying adaptable will be key to maintaining competitiveness in this uncertain market environment. But let's see what we can do by strengthening our ties to one another.