Philly packaging company faces rising costs amid Canada tariffs, trade tensions

By Lauren Mayk
Wisconsin Public Radio
August 26, 2026
Category: Business & Politics
Region: United States, US East

A century-old Philadelphia packaging company is closely watching tariffs and trade negotiations with Canada as it deals with rising costs for materials it uses every day. F. P. Woll & Company, a family business in Northeast Philadelphia, makes packaging for other companies and their products, ranging from cameras to kitchen sinks. Fred Woll runs the company, which has about a dozen employees and a sprawling production operation. …The latest tariffs and trade negotiations with Canada are creating another challenge for the business. One key material the company uses is CDX plywood from Canada. …The company’s concerns extend beyond the materials it needs for its own products. Woll said tariffs on materials used by its customers, including aluminum, can also affect his business if those customers cut production. …Canada is Pennsylvania’s biggest trading partner. Data shows the state sent about $14 billion in goods to Canada last year and imported about $13 billion.

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