Wheat Field (Photo courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)Wheat Field (Photo courtesy Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
Midwestern

List of U.S. agricultural products hit by Canada's tariffs

Canada has fired back against the latest round of U.S. tariffs with a sweeping set of countermeasures, many of which are aimed at key agricultural imports from the United States.

The response, announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, introduces a 25 per cent tariff on a wide range of American agricultural goods, marking a significant escalation in the trade dispute initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Trudeau unveiled the counter-tariffs on Saturday, detailing a response package worth $155 billion, with an initial phase targeting $30 billion in U.S. imports. The move is seen as a direct retaliation to Trump’s executive order imposing duties on Canadian and Mexican products, which the White House claims is necessary to address trade imbalances and curb illegal immigration. However, Canadian farmers and industry leaders warn that the growing trade battle could disrupt food supply chains and significantly impact both producers and consumers on both sides of the border.

A substantial portion of Canada’s countermeasures is focused on U.S. agricultural goods that are staples in the Canadian market. Among the most notable items now subject to the 25 per cent tariff are:

Dairy Products: Milk, cream, yogurt, buttermilk, butter, cheese, and whey.

Meat and Poultry: Beef, pork, poultry, sausages, and other prepared meat products.

Eggs and Honey: Eggs, egg yolks, and natural honey.

Grains and Legumes: Wheat, rye, barley, oats, rice, and meslin, as well as leguminous vegetables and nuts.

Fruits and Vegetables: Tomatoes, citrus fruits, melons, apricots, cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums, and various preserved vegetable products.

Oils and Fats: Canola oil, sunflower oil, palm oil, groundnut oil, mustard oil, and margarine.

Sugars and Confectionery: Cane sugar, beet sugar, molasses, chocolate, and malt extract.

Beverages: Beer, wine, vermouth, and other fermented drinks, as well as undenatured ethyl alcohol.

Spices and Condiments: Pepper, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, turmeric, and other dried seasonings.

Prepared Foods: Pasta, sauces, soups, and ice cream.

The inclusion of these agricultural goods reflects Canada’s intent to apply pressure where it will be felt most: on American farmers and food producers, many of whom rely heavily on the Canadian market.

With American agricultural products becoming more expensive, Canadian consumers and businesses may face increased costs at the grocery store. The tariffs could also create an opportunity for domestic producers to fill gaps left by restricted U.S. imports, potentially boosting demand for Canadian-grown alternatives.

Dairy farmers in Canada have long been at the centre of trade tensions with the U.S., as American producers push for greater access to Canadian markets. The counter-tariffs reinforce Canada’s commitment to protecting its supply-managed sectors, even as the dispute heightens concerns about retaliatory measures from the United States that could further affect Canadian exports.

While the first phase of Canada’s response targets $30 billion in goods, additional measures could follow if tensions continue to rise. The federal government has stated that it remains open to negotiation but is prepared to escalate its response if necessary.

Editor's Note: This story was written prior to the late afternoon announcement that tariffs are being paused for 30 days

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