Ask HN: Do the tarrifs impact software/SaaS? If so, how?

>Will it be more difficult to sell software or SaaS across the border between Canada and the US?

That's one intended outcome.

OTOH, people in both countries may be financially hosed bad enough, that way more people will never be able to afford things other than bare necessities for the rest of their lives anyway.

Tariffs on physical goods can be enforced during physical movement, e.g. a shipment crossing a border. Cross-border taxation of digital services is more complex. Canada introduced a unilateral DST (Digital Services Tax) in 2024, which the US is challenging under USMCA, https://www.canada.ca/en/services/taxes/excise-taxes-duties-...

This article claims that digital services are not subject to direct US tariffs, https://www.codemastersinc.com/post/impact-of-u-s-tariffs-on...

> DIGITAL SERVICES: While traditional industries face direct tariff impacts, digital services are also encountering challenges. Many Canadian tech firms provide software, consulting, and cloud-based solutions to U.S. clients. The uncertainty surrounding trade relations has led some American companies to reconsider long-term contracts with Canadian providers. Additionally, potential retaliatory measures from Canada could further complicate cross-border data exchange and intellectual property regulations. Despite these concerns, digital businesses may still have an advantage due to their ability to operate remotely and pivot towards new markets with relative ease.

O yes fearmongering always helps. Back under your bridge troll.

It was never about the drugs or migrants. Trump himself said "nothing" Canada can do to prevent tariffs[1]

[1]: https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/trumps-tariffs/article/nothing-...

If true, this could be a great opportunity to buy Shopify at a discount; however, I haven’t found any evidence that the tariffs apply to services.