A Regina auto repair shop says it hasn’t felt the pinch yet from the U.S.’s new 25% automotive tariff, which kicked in last month. But despite the lack of immediate price hikes, local businesses and consumers are still on edge, unsure when—or if—the tariff will start hitting their wallets.

Editor’s Note: Tariffs are like economic wildcards—they can take time to ripple through supply chains, leaving businesses and customers in limbo. For Saskatchewan, where cross-border trade is a big deal, this uncertainty could mean higher costs down the road or even lost business. It’s a waiting game with real stakes.

The European Parliament has given the green light to impose tariffs on fertilizer imports from Russia and Belarus, starting this July. The duties will begin at a set rate and then climb steadily over the next three years. This move is part of broader economic measures targeting the two countries.

Editor’s Note: Fertilizer prices could rise in Europe as a result, hitting farmers and potentially trickling down to food costs. But the EU is betting that squeezing Russia and Belarus economically is worth the trade-off, especially given the ongoing geopolitical tensions. It’s another step in the bloc’s effort to reduce reliance on goods from these nations—while also sending a political message.

China is pushing back hard against the EU's plan to impose new fees on small parcels shipped from abroad, arguing it unfairly targets Chinese e-commerce heavyweights like Shein and Temu. The proposed rule could drive up costs for these companies, which rely on cheap international shipping to offer rock-bottom prices to European consumers.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about a few extra cents on shipping—it’s a brewing trade battle that could shake up how cheap, fast-fashion and budget goods move from China to Europe. If the EU moves forward, it might force Chinese retailers to raise prices, potentially cooling their explosive growth in the region. For shoppers, the days of ultra-cheap online hauls could be numbered.