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Using Software for Tariff Management Between the U.S. and Canada

February 03, 20253 min read

MMAO uses software which is primarily known for automation, CRM, and marketing tools, but it can still be leveraged in creative ways to assist businesses with tariff management by integrating AI, automation, and analytics. Here’s how you can use software for cross-border trade and tariff-related challenges:


1. AI-Driven Client & Supplier Communication

  • Use AI chatbots to automatically answer common tariff-related questions from clients, suppliers, or partners.

  • Automate responses based on U.S.-Canada trade regulations, HS codes, and duty rates.

👉 Example:
A Canadian business selling U.S.-imported goods can have an AI chatbot that answers “What’s the duty on U.S.-imported aluminum?” in real-time.

2. Automated Lead Nurturing for Trade Advisory & Tariff Consulting

  • If you're providing tariff advisory services, software can automate lead nurturing with drip campaigns to educate businesses on U.S.-Canada tariff changes.

  • Create an email/SMS workflow that sends real-time tariff updates, compliance reminders, and cost-saving strategies to importers/exporters.

👉 Example:
A shipping company can enroll clients in a
tariff savings newsletter with automated updates on tariff exemptions or rate changes.


3. Tariff Impact Notifications & Custom Alerts

  • Use workflows to send automated alerts about tariff increases, USMCA updates, or duty reductions.

  • Integrate with custom APIs that track tariff rates and trigger SMS/email notifications to relevant stakeholders.

👉 Example:
A wholesaler importing textiles from the U.S. gets an
instant SMS alert when the duty on imported fabric drops by 5%.


4. AI-Powered Trade Consultation Bookings

  • Using a booking system can automate tariff consultation appointments for businesses needing expert guidance.

  • AI-based forms can qualify leads by collecting details about the products they import/export and matching them with customs brokerage services.

👉 Example:
A Canadian retailer using
AI chat & forms can instantly book a consultation to understand the latest U.S. steel tariffs.


5. Custom AI Automations for Compliance & Documentation

  • Software can auto-generate reminders for businesses to submit tariff-related paperwork (e.g., customs clearance, certificates of origin).

  • Businesses can use AI-powered document scanning integrations to extract and verify HS codes for tariff compliance.

👉 Example:
An importer receives an automated
reminder to renew their tariff exemption paperwork before it expires.


6. AI-Driven Cost Analysis & Tariff Forecasting

  • Software can integrate with external AI pricing and tariff forecasting tools to provide businesses with data-driven cost projections.

  • Custom workflows can automatically notify clients when a cheaper supply chain option becomes available due to tariff changes.

👉 Example:
An electronics importer gets notified that
a U.S. supplier is now cheaper than a Chinese one due to tariff reductions.


7. CRM & Pipeline Tracking for Tariff-Impacted Sales

  • Use sales pipeline tracking to monitor deals affected by tariff fluctuations.

  • AI can predict which potential deals might be at risk due to changing duty rates and trigger follow-ups or alternative sourcing options.

👉 Example:
A logistics company sees a
high-risk alert for a client shipping goods that will be impacted by upcoming U.S. tariff increases.


8. Marketing & Retargeting for Cross-Border E-commerce

  • Marketing automation can be used to adjust pricing strategies based on real-time tariff costs.

  • AI-driven remarketing can target customers who abandoned purchases due to high import fees by offering duty-free promotions.

👉 Example:
An online store selling U.S. goods to Canadian customers
automatically adjusts pricing when tariffs decrease.

Parrish Offer

Parrish is the President & CEO of Make Me An Offer.

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