DeFi Technologies Provides Monthly Corporate Update: Valour Reports C$988 Million (US$715 Million) in AUM, and Monthly Net Inflows of C$10.8 Million (US$7.8 Million) in April 2025, Among Other Key Developments
Strong Financial Position & Treasury Strategy: The company maintains a total cash, USDT, and treasury balance of C$61.9M (US$44.7M), comprising C$15.4M (US$11.1M) in cash and USDT, reflecting a 19.5% decrease from the previous month, and C$46.5M (US$33.6M) in its digital asset treasury, a 11.2% increase from the previous month as of April 30, 2025. These amounts do not include the DeFi Arbitrage trade completed as of May 5, 2025.
DeFi Alpha Trading Revenue: Since its Q2 2024 launch, DeFi Alpha has generated C$162.4 million (US$118.8 million) in revenue, including a C$30.3 million (US$22 million) one-time arbitrage trade in May 2025. This strategy has materially strengthened the Company's balance sheet, enabling debt elimination and supporting the growth of its digital asset treasury.
TORONTO, May 6, 2025 /CNW/ - DeFi Technologies Inc. (the " Company" or " DeFi Technologies") (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF), a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralised finance (" DeFi"), is pleased to announce that its subsidiary, Valour Inc., and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, " Valour"), a leading issuer of exchange traded products (" ETPs") reports assets under management (" AUM") of C$988M (US$715M) as of April 30, 2025. This reflects an 11.7% increase from the previous month, driven by rising digital asset prices and net inflows of C$10.8 million (US$7.8 million).
Net Inflows and Investor Confidence
In April, Valour recorded strong net inflows of C$10.8 million (US$7.8 million), continuing its trend of consistent monthly inflows regardless of market conditions. Year-to-date, total net inflows have reached C$81.1 million (US$58.7 million), highlighting accelerating investor demand for Valour's ETPs. This sustained momentum reflects growing investor confidence and reinforces the appeal of Valour's diverse product lineup.
Key Products Driving Inflows
A combination of established and newer ETP listings, including XRP, SUI and, ETH, drove the exceptional performance. Key contributors include:
These inflows highlight Valour's leadership in providing access to diverse digital assets.
Valour's Top ETPs by AUM
Through its subsidiary Valour, DeFi Technologies monetizes its assets under management (AUM) primarily through staking and management fees. Valour retains all staking yields as revenue, capturing value directly from the underlying digital assets held in its ETPs, in addition to low management fees.
For the fiscal year ended 2024, Valour generated C$35.7 million (US$25.5 million) in staking and lending income and C$8.8 million (US$6.3 million) in management fees—demonstrating the strength of its vertically integrated model and its ability to generate recurring, protocol-driven revenue from its growing AUM base.
Valour's Global Expansion and Strategic Market Development
Valour is making significant strides in expanding its global footprint, solidifying its position as a leader in the regulated digital asset space. With over 60 ETPs now listed across European and United Kingdom exchanges, Valour plans to increase its total ETP listings to 100 products by the end of 2025, including new offerings such as leveraged and warrant products. This expansion not only enhances Valour's product portfolio but also strengthens its ability to meet the growing demand for regulated digital asset products.
As Valour continues to diversify and broaden its reach, the Company is also strategically entering new markets outside of Europe. This expansion into regions such as Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and other emerging areas offers Valour a first-mover advantage. This proactive market approach is a critical differentiator, allowing Valour to be at the forefront of digital asset adoption in key regions with significant growth potential.
Strong Financial Position
As of April 30, 2025, the Company maintained a strong financial position:
Cash and USDT Balance: Approximately C$15.4 million (US$11.1 million).
Loans Payable: Approximately C$8.6 million (US$6 million), unchanged from the previous month, primarily attributed to the ongoing Genesis restructuring
Digital Asset Treasury
The Company maintained a diversified treasury portfolio. The portfolio's total value stood at approximately C$46.5M (US$33.6M). The Company may choose to rebalance or expand its treasury at any time using its available C$61.9M (US$44.7M) in cash, USDT, and other treasury holdings.
These amounts do not include the DeFi Arbitrage trade completed as of May 5, 2025
DeFi Alpha Strategy
The Company continues to assess and execute on arbitrage opportunities through its specialized trading desk, DeFi Alpha. Since its launch in Q2 2024, DeFi Alpha has generated a total of C$162.4 million (US$118.8 million) in revenue, including a one-time arbitrage trade announced on May 5, 2025, that delivered C$30.3 million (US$22 million). This strategy has significantly strengthened the Company's financial position, enabling debt repayment and supporting the ongoing expansion of its digital asset treasury.
Recent Strategic Developments from February include:
DeFi Technologies and SovFi Partner with Nairobi Securities Exchange to Design and Launch Kenya Digital Exchange (KDX)
DeFi Technologies, along with Valour and SovFi, announced a strategic partnership with the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) to launch the Kenya Digital Exchange (KDX), a fully regulated platform for tokenizing real-world assets. The initiative aims to position Kenya as a leading hub for digital asset trading in Africa, with phased deployment through Q2 2026. Valour's ETPs are also in advanced stages of listing on the NSE, marking significant progress in DeFi Technologies' global expansion strategy and commitment to building compliant, market-accessible digital asset infrastructure.
DeFi Technologies Files Amended Form 40-F with the SEC
DeFi Technologies filed an amended Form 40-F Registration Statement with the U.S. SEC as part of its application to list on Nasdaq. The listing remains subject to Nasdaq approval and other regulatory requirements, including the SEC declaring the filing effective. The Company will continue to maintain its listing on the Cboe Canada Exchange.
Stillman Digital Integrates with Talos and Appoints Head of Trading to Strengthen Institutional Liquidity Offering
DeFi Technologies' wholly owned subsidiary, Stillman Digital, integrated with Talos to provide institutional clients direct access to its regulated OTC liquidity. This strategic move expands Stillman's reach to a global base of institutional traders and enhances execution capabilities. In parallel, veteran trader Gary Pike joined as Head of Trading, bringing extensive experience from B2C2, BlockTower Capital, and Ronin to drive institutional-scale growth and deepen Stillman's trading infrastructure.
DeFi Technologies Appoints Andrew Forson as President of DeFi Technologies and Chief Growth Officer of Valour
DeFi Technologies appointed Andrew Forson to lead global strategy and growth across the Company and its digital asset ETP platform, Valour. Formerly a board member and executive at the Hashgraph Group, Andrew brings deep expertise in digital assets, structured finance, and Web3 strategy, supporting Valour's continued international expansion and reinforcing DeFi Technologies' leadership in decentralized finance.
About DeFi Technologies
DeFi Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF) is a financial technology company that pioneers the convergence of traditional capital markets with the world of decentralized finance (DeFi). With a dedicated focus on industry-leading Web3 technologies, DeFi Technologies aims to provide widespread investor access to the future of finance. Backed by an esteemed team of experts with extensive experience in financial markets and digital assets, we are committed to revolutionising the way individuals and institutions interact with the evolving financial ecosystem. Follow DeFi Technologies on Linkedin and Twitter, and for more details, visit https://defi.tech/
DeFi Technologies Subsidiaries
About Valour
Valour Inc. and Valour Digital Securities Limited (together, " Valour") issues exchange traded products (" ETPs") that enable retail and institutional investors to access digital assets in a simple and secure way via their traditional bank account. Valour is part of the asset management business line of DeFi Technologies Inc. (CBOE CA: DEFI) (GR: R9B) (OTC: DEFTF). For more information about Valour, to subscribe, or to receive updates, visit valour.com.
About Stillman Digital
Stillman Digital is a leading digital asset liquidity provider that offers limitless liquidity solutions for businesses, focusing on industry-leading trade execution, settlement, and technology. For more information, please visit https://www.stillmandigital.com
About Reflexivity Research
Reflexivity Research LLC is a leading research firm specializing in the creation of high-quality, in-depth research reports for the bitcoin and digital asset industry, empowering investors with valuable insights. For more information please visit https://www.reflexivityresearch.com/
About Neuronomics AG
Neuronomics AG is a Swiss asset management firm specializing in AI-powered quantitative trading strategies. By integrating artificial intelligence, computational neuroscience and quantitative finance, Neuronomics delivers cutting-edge solutions that drive superior risk-adjusted performance in financial markets. For more information please visit https://www.neuronomics.com/
Cautionary note regarding forward-looking information:
This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to the growth of AUM; digital asset treasury strategy of the Company; expansion of digital asset ETPs; yield amounts from the Company's validator nodes; investor interest and demand for Valour's ETP; investor confidence in digital assets generally; scalability of Stillman Digital's business model; the CoreFi LOI and the closing of the transactions thereunder; arbitrage opportunitites by DeFi Alpha; the regulatory environment with respect to the growth and adoption of decentralized finance; the pursuit by the Company and its subsidiaries of business opportunities; and the merits or potential returns of any such opportunities. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company, as the case may be, to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks, uncertainties and other factors include, but is not limited the acceptance of Valour exchange traded products by exchanges; growth and development of decentralised finance and digital asset sector; rules and regulations with respect to decentralised finance and digital assets; fluctuation in digital asset prices; general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Globe and Mail
3 hours ago
- Globe and Mail
Reimagining Downtowns Can Unlock $120+ Billion in Untapped Value
A new report by Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK), Reimagining Urban Real Estate Portfolios, finds that there is significant value to be unlocked in Downtowns if cities, investors and other stakeholders act swiftly to rebalance their real estate portfolios. The current mix of real estate uses in most U.S. Downtowns is misaligned with optimal real estate portfolio theory. This mismatch has left many urban cores exposed to persistent vacancies, reduced foot traffic, declining property values, and growing fiscal pressure. The report outlines how repurposing real estate uses in Downtowns—and possibly, other walkable urban places—could revitalize cities and unlock as much as $340 billion in value. 'Downtowns are currently over-indexed on office space, averaging 70% of total real estate use compared to the ideal ~40%,' said Rebecca Rockey, Deputy Chief Economist at Cushman & Wakefield. 'That imbalance has made them less resilient in the wake of the pandemic, remote work and economic disruption, and now, ripe for targeted reinvention.' Key findings from the report include: Downtowns are disproportionately reliant on office real estate, which has contributed to steadily rising vacancy rates now exceeding 26% and sharp valuation declines in many cities. Strategic conversions of lower-quality office buildings into residential or entertainment uses, referred to as 'Live' or 'Play' space, could unlock between $105 billion and $208 billion in value across 15 major U.S. Downtowns. Asset quality is critical to successful conversion outcomes. The greatest value is achieved when lower-value office buildings are repositioned into higher-value residential or entertainment assets. The report stresses the need for targeted, quality-focused investment. Non-Downtown Walkable Urban Places (WalkUPs) are generally closer to the ideal real estate mix. Broad conversion efforts in these areas could reduce value, but carefully selected projects still present compelling opportunities. There is urgency to act. Declining property tax revenues, reduced foot traffic, and increasing retail vacancies are creating uneven risks to urban economic health. Without focused policy action and investment, cities could face long-term fiscal strain and growing challenges to revitalize their urban cores. No two cities have the same real estate or property tax fingerprint. City governments need to engage with all stakeholders to understand what incentives and incentive structures could have the biggest impact. The report also highlights how unique each U.S. city is—the challenges and opportunities vary. Miami, as an example, has a Downtown with a more balanced real estate mix that more closely mirrors the optimal portfolio. This is one reason it has been more resilient and has actually seen Downtown foot traffic grow since 2019. This points to the fact that cities with a healthier balance of residential, office and entertainment uses can support economic vitality and remain more resilient even during disruptive shifts. Other cities are taking notice, but swift action is needed. 'This is a call to action for real estate owners, civic leaders, and investors,' said David Smith, Head of Americas Insights. 'The data shows that smart, targeted redevelopment in our Downtowns can create real financial returns and strengthen the overall vitality of cities.' The report comes at a time when many municipalities are facing severe budget shortfalls. Cities like New York, San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago project multi-billion-dollar deficits driven largely or in part by falling office values and tax base erosion. Reimagining Urban Real Estate Portfolios offers a roadmap for action, identifying where conversions will be most effective and how they can help rebuild vibrant, resilient urban cores. The full report by Cushman & Wakefield can be found here. About Cushman & Wakefield
Toronto Star
4 hours ago
- Toronto Star
NEO Battery Materials Initiates Defence & Industrial Drone Battery Cell Development Program for High-Performance Solutions
Initiated High-Performance Battery Cell Development Program for Defence & Industrial Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Resolving Primary Performance Limitation in Drones, Batteries, via Leveraging Proprietary Silicon Battery Materials, P-200 & P-300N Initiated High-Performance Battery Cell Development Program for Defence & Industrial Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Resolving Primary Performance Limitation in Drones, Batteries, via Leveraging Proprietary Silicon Battery Materials, P-200 & P-300N To Deliver Pouch-Type, Silicon-Enhanced Battery Cells with (i) Longer Flight Time, (ii) Heavier Payloads, and (iii) Reliable Operations Expects to Offer Industry-Leading Drone Battery Performance with Low Costs Initiated High-Performance Battery Cell Development Program for Defence & Industrial Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) Resolving Primary Performance Limitation in Drones, Batteries, via Leveraging Proprietary Silicon Battery Materials, P-200 & P-300N To Deliver Pouch-Type, Silicon-Enhanced Battery Cells with (i) Longer Flight Time, (ii) Heavier Payloads, and (iii) Reliable Operations Expects to Offer Industry-Leading Drone Battery Performance with Low Costs Growing Need for Advanced Drone Battery Solutions from Industry Expansion & Government Funding TORONTO, Aug. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEO Battery Materials Ltd. ('NEO' or the 'Company') (TSXV: NBM) (OTC: NBMFF), a low-cost silicon battery materials developer that enables longer-running, rapid-charging batteries, is pleased to initiate a new development program for high-performance lithium-ion batteries tailored for the growing drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) industry. The project leverages NEO's proprietary silicon battery materials, NBMSiDE® P-200 and P-300N, to resolve the primary limitation in drone technology – battery performance. The global drone and UAV market continues to expand across tactical defence, commercial delivery, precision agriculture, and emergency response. Despite the increasing operational demands of drones, battery performance remains the primary constraint, limiting flight time, payload capacity, and mission capability. Through this high-performance development program, NEO will deliver end-to-end battery solutions with (i) high capacity, (ii) high power output, and (iii) fast charging with reliable safety to address the demanding needs of drone and UAV manufacturers. NEO's pouch-type lithium-ion battery cells are under development, leveraging the Company's advanced silicon anode materials combined with a complex battery design fit for advanced drone systems. Two distinct battery solutions will be designed and commercialized: One incorporating the P-200 series for short-duration, ultra-high-capacity 'one-time use' or tactical drones for defence and military applications Another using the new P-300N series for long-range, heavy-duty logistics, surveillance, and agricultural drones/UAVs requiring extended cycle life and operational range Picture of NEO's High-Performance, Pouch-Type Lithium-Ion Batteries Under Development for Drone & UAV Applications Due to industry-leading capacities of 2,500 mAh/g for P-200 and 2,000 mAh/g for P-300N, both products are expected to offer performance levels that exceed conventional drone batteries while maintaining low costs. The Company's initiative builds on recent technical successes, patent advancements, and new engineering expertise in battery manufacturing, positioning NEO to enter synergistic downstream segments. Mr. Spencer Huh, President & CEO of NEO, commented, 'Due to an increase in global defence spending and a heightened emphasis on operational efficiencies, these macroeconomic trends are driving demand for higher-performance batteries in advanced surveillance technologies and unmanned systems (UAS). This aligns closely with the capabilities of NEO's silicon-enhanced batteries.' 'At the same time, there is clear diversification away from the dependence on Chinese-sourced batteries in critical drone systems in defence. NEO's battery development initiative will provide a timely, domestically sourced option that offers both performance advantages and supply chain security,' added Mr. Huh. 'To enter the high-performance drone battery market, we will first target local Korean manufacturers and partner with U.S. firms to secure government grants provided by the Department of Defence and the Department of Homeland Security.' Dr. J.S. Jeoung, SVP of Cell Development, expressed, 'New advanced drone/UAV technologies require new battery designs, materials, and performance. Especially for defence drones, there is a critical need for battery manufacturers or foundries that can customize battery designs and shapes for different drone/UAV bodies. With our battery components manufacturing capability, we aim to become an end-to-end battery platform solution provider for the end-users.' About NEO Battery Materials Ltd. NEO Battery Materials is a Canadian battery materials technology company focused on developing silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles, electronics, and energy storage systems. With a patent-protected, low-cost manufacturing process, NEO Battery enables longer-running and ultra-fast charging batteries compared to existing state-of-the-art technologies. The Company aims to be a globally-leading producer of silicon anode materials for the electric vehicle and energy storage industries. For more information, please visit the Company's website at: On Behalf of the Board of Directors Spencer Huh Director, President, and CEO For Investor Relations, PR & More Information: info@ T: +1 (437) 451-7678 This news release includes certain forward-looking statements as well as management's objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions. All information contained herein that is not clearly historical in nature may constitute forward-looking information. Generally, such forward-looking information can be identified notably by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: volatile stock prices; the general global markets and economic conditions; the possibility of write-downs and impairments; the risk associated with the research and development of advanced and battery-related technologies; the risk associated with the effectiveness and feasibility of technologies that have not yet been tested or proven on commercial scale; manufacturing process scale-up risks, including maintaining consistent material quality, production yields, and process reproducibility at a pilot or commercial scale; compatibility issues with existing battery chemistries and unforeseen the risks associated with entering into and maintaining collaborations, joint ventures, or partnerships with battery cell manufacturers, original equipment manufacturers, and various companies in the global battery supply chain; the risks associated with the construction, completion, and financing of commercial facilities including the Windsor and South Korean facilities; the risks associated with supply chain disruptions or cost fluctuations in raw materials, processing chemicals, and additive prices, impacting production costs and commercial viability; the risks associated with uninsurable risks arising during the course of research, development and production; competition faced by the Company in securing experienced personnel and financing; access to adequate infrastructure and resources to support battery materials research and development activities; the risks associated with changes in the technology regulatory regime governing the Company; the risks associated with the timely execution of the Company's strategies and business plans; the risks associated with the lithium-ion battery industry's demand and adoption of the Company's silicon anode technology; market adoption and integration challenges, including the difficulty of incorporating silicon anodes within battery manufacturers and OEMs systems; the risks associated with the various environmental and political regulations the Company is subject to; risks related to regulatory and permitting delays; the reliance on key personnel; liquidity risks; the risk of litigation; risk management; and other risk factors as identified in the Company's recent Financial Statements and MD&A and in recent securities filings for the Company which are available on Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable at the time such statements are made, including but not limited to, continued R&D and commercialization activities, no material adverse change in precursor prices, development and commercialization plans to proceed in accordance with plans and such plans to achieve their stated expected outcomes, receipt of required regulatory approvals, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Such forward-looking information has been provided for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company's business, operations, research and development, and commercialization plans and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is made as of the date of this presentation, and the Company does not undertake to update such forward-looking information except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Winnipeg Free Press
4 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Manitoba small business owners uncertain how to deal with loss of duty-free exemption
As the days to ship lower-cost parcels to the United States inexpensively come to a close, Manitoba small businesses are pausing their U.S. offerings and scrambling to beat new fees. Leiah Bauer intends to disallow U.S. orders on Apothecandy's website beginning Aug. 18. She's sold her company's goat milk soap to American clients for the past 15 years. 'Those customers are loyal and wonderful customers,' Bauer said Friday. 'It's sad to tell them that I can't ship them some of their favourite products.' She hasn't needed to consider duties in the past. Canadian exports under US$800 crossed the border duty free through legislation called the de minimis exemption. U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order last month to suspend the global exemption; the pause begins Aug. 29. Bauer joins local entrepreneurs confused by the change. 'Until I have a very clear picture of how this is going to work moving forward… I think the best course is to pause shipping to the United States,' she relayed. American purchases consume at least 30 per cent of Apothecandy's orders. Bauer doesn't yet have a plan to make up the lost sales: 'This is all happening very fast.' She announced the decision to customers, she said, after seeing fellow artisans do the same. Eye and Ear Control Records, a vinyl mail-order company, has also halted U.S. exports. Owner Brad Skibinsky said Friday he's trying to understand the impact of the exemption change. A percentage fee on his wares would be 'sustainable,' but a flat fee would be 'untenable.' The U.S. executive order outlines varying new charges. Some goods sent through the postal service will be taxed with their country of origin's tariff rate. In other cases, fees could range from US$80 to US$200, depending on the tariff rate at the package's country of origin. This option has a six-month timeline. Overall, charges will differ by customs broker and the nature of work involved, said Alan Dewar, GHY International's executive vice-president. Most low-cost packages were processed without customs declarations. Now they all will need declarations — and the increase is 'staggering,' Dewar wrote in a text. The United States saw more than one billion de minimis entries in 2023. The number is a massive jump from the 153 million entries counted in 2015, a January U.S. Congressional Research Service report reads. In 2016, the U.S. changed its de minimis exemption from US$200 to US$800. Roughly 16 per cent of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business's 4,500 Manitoba members export to the United States. Most use the de minimis exemption. 'Every small shipment now faces these tariffs or customs paperwork and potential delays at the border,' said Tyler Slobogian, a senior policy analyst with the CFIB. He's clocked businesses halting marketing campaigns in the United States and looking to sell elsewhere. The CFIB has publicly called on Ottawa to route money collected from its U.S. import tariffs to small businesses affected by the trade war. Milena Lye, owner of skin care company Just the Goods, anticipates she'll need to increase prices as she continues selling to the United States. Some customers may leave. However, the weaker Canadian dollar might keep products competitive, Lye said. 'I feel like I'm making skin care products for a community of friends. I don't want to cut them off,' she wrote in an email. She's prepared to work overtime to help clients 'stock up' ahead of Aug. 29, she continued. Natassia Bezoplenko-Brazeau is among the business owners shifting focus to other Canadian buyers. Northlore, her Winnipeg-based body care company, has inked new deals with retailers in Saskatoon and Ottawa. Monday Mornings The latest local business news and a lookahead to the coming week. 'It seems more worthwhile to turn my attention to,' Bezoplenko-Brazeau said. 'It's already been exhausting trying to keep up with it all.' She's planning to inform her American customers their products will get more expensive — due to U.S.-imposed measures — via newsletter or website banner. Around 20 to 30 per cent of Northlore's online sales come from Americans, Bezoplenko-Brazeau estimated. President Trump has cited fentanyl and other drug trafficking as the reason for pausing the de minimis exemption. He halted the exemption for Chinese and Hong Kong imports in April. The move has affected Manitoba exporters who largely use parts from the two countries in their wares. Gabrielle PichéReporter Gabrielle Piché reports on business for the Free Press. She interned at the Free Press and worked for its sister outlet, Canstar Community News, before entering the business beat in 2021. Read more about Gabrielle. Every piece of reporting Gabrielle produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
