Spring often signals renewed momentum in global trade, but 2026 is shaping up to be a year of volatility. From new tariffs to shipping disruptions and digital customs reforms, Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must stay ahead of global currents to protect their margins and ensure supply chain continuity.
Global trade shifts
- Geopolitical tensions: Ongoing conflicts and sanctions are reshaping trade routes.
- Shipping costs: Container freight rates, which spiked during the pandemic, remain volatile. Analysts project average global shipping costs to rise in 2026 due to fuel surcharges and port congestion.
- Digital customs processes: Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) continues rolling out CBSA Assessment and Revenue Management (CARM), requiring importers to manage duties and taxes digitally. This shift promises efficiency but demands proactive compliance.
Release Prior to Payment bonds as risk mitigation
The Release Prior to Payment (RPP) bond is now mandatory under CARM system. Importers must post their own financial security to release goods before paying duties and taxes.
- Cash flow flexibility: RPP bonds allow SMEs to defer payment of duties and goods and services tax (GST), freeing up working capital.
- Operational continuity: Even amid tariff disputes or port delays, RPP bonds ensure goods are released promptly.
- Compliance assurance: Annual CBSA reviews may increase bond requirements, making proactive strategies essential.
Competitive edge for small to medium-size enterprises
SMEs that adopt proactive bond strategies gain:
- Speed — Faster clearance through digital customs systems
- Resilience — Ability to withstand tariff shocks and shipping volatility
- Confidence — Assurance that goods won't be stranded at the border due to payment delays
At Gallagher, we see RPP bonds not as a compliance checkbox, but as part of a broader resilience toolkit. By combining insurance expertise with trade insights, we help SMEs:
- Interpret global trade signals.
- Align financial security with operational needs.
- Build strategies that anticipate not just react to volatility.
2026 will reward the prepared. Canadian SMEs should schedule a consultation with Gallagher to align their bond strategy with global trade realities. Together, we can ensure your business not only survives uncertainty but thrives in it.
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