Thank you.
Thanks for the opportunity to participate in this process. I am a partner and the chief brand officer of Manitobah Mukluks. We're an indigenous-owned company based in Winnipeg, and Canada's fastest-growing footwear brand. We produce over 150,000 pairs of footwear annually, and share our uniquely Canadian story in 48 countries worldwide. Our products are sold in 800 retailers throughout Canada and the United States, and globally through our robust e-commerce channel, which now represents half our overall business.
We are excited about CETA for two reasons. One, it allows us to further our mission of developing a truly global indigenous brand, and two, this increased success globally allows us to make a bigger impact in our communities locally. I also want to reinforce the importance of the changing consumer habits, particularly with regard to e-commerce, that make these overseas markets increasingly relevant for more small businesses like ours.
Traditionally for small and medium business, and in particular for indigenous businesses, the quote-unquote global economy has been far away. Many businesses our size do not have the capacity and resources to navigate the complexities and costs associated with developing foreign markets. Government assistance programs such as the trade commissioner service certainly help break down some of those barriers, but still, it really is unrealistic and too costly for many businesses. Ten years ago, Manitobah would not have been able to take advantage of CETA.
In today's economy, e-commerce plays a critical role in democratizing commerce. It allows us and other small businesses to effectively take advantage of the global economy and the benefits of CETA. We can now reach consumers in Paris and London through a 10ยข ad and a follow-up click. In the past, London and Paris consumers were many trade shows, distributors, and travel expenses away. Now they are much closer. Many of the practical market entry issues have now been solved through this change in consumer online purchasing habits. We can now compete globally against our multi-billion dollar competitors in telling our story not only to a local audience but also to the many European consumers with whom our story and mission resonates.
Given this new accessibility, trade agreements like CETA become increasing beneficial in allowing us to succeed on a global scale. Currently consumers who are buying our Canadian products online are being hit with a surprise 17% duty after the purchase is made. Removing this tariff, as CETA promises, will help us drive this important piece of our business. Consumers are price sensitive, and this added 17% is a barrier that can mean the difference between success or failure in our target markets.
The social impact this can have is also very exciting. Some of our artist-crafted Storyboots sell for upwards of $1,500 and $2,000. This is a fair trade program where indigenous artists receive 100% of the proceeds of their works. We leverage our distribution, both online and in stores, to share these works of art and culture with a global audience. The further we go from home, the more this culture and art is appreciated and admired. While 100% of the sale goes back to the artist, consumers in Europe have been surprised by a $200-plus duty that they pay on each and every one. Eliminating this will allow us to have more success for the Storyboot program in Europe, and will in turn help us build businesses amongst crafters and keep this important piece of culture alive and vibrant.
In conclusion, by eliminating the remaining trade barriers and allowing the free flow of goods, especially goods purchased online, CETA can allow small businesses like ours to truly participate in the global economy in an even bigger way.
Thanks.