When a U.S. customer pauses orders.

3 minute readUpdated October 13, 2026By the NorthAxis Capital team

For many Canadian makers and suppliers, the first sign of tariff trouble is a phone call: “We’re holding orders until things settle.” Here is what to do next.

1. Talk it through

Find out what is really going on. Is the pause short, or open-ended? Is it about price, timing or worry?

Some customers keep ordering if you share costs, change the amount, or change delivery terms. Stay in touch, even if orders slow down.

2. Keep proof of everything

Save the emails. Save cancelled or delayed purchase orders. Write notes from every call. Compare your orders before and after tariffs.

This is exactly what agencies look for when you apply for tariff relief. It is much easier to collect now than months later. See what proof they want.

3. Protect your cash

Update your cash plan with the lost or late orders. If a gap shows up, act early. A line of credit can cover short gaps. Invoice factoring can turn your other customers’ unpaid invoices into cash now.

4. Protect your team

If work slows, Work-Sharing lets you cut hours instead of laying people off. Your staff get Employment Insurance for the hours they lose. You keep your trained team for when orders come back. How it works.

5. Apply for help

Losing U.S. customers or sales is one way to show tariff harm. The Regional Tariff Response Initiative gives up to $3 million that you don’t pay back, for eligible businesses. Check the 7 questions or see every tariff program.

6. Find new buyers

Use the slow time to depend less on one customer or one country. The Trade Commissioner Service and Export Development Canada help Canadian businesses find buyers in other markets. A grant can help pay for it.