Update, as of March 4: U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports were delayed 30 days, but have taken effect as of March 4. The Canadian government is responding immediately with $30 billion in retaliatory tariffs, as proposed in early February.
Many agricultural and food products will be affected by the Canadian government’s first wave of retaliatory tariffs in response to President Trump’s 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.
As of February 4, Canada is imposing 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American imports. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has pledged tariffs on another $125 billion worth of imports from the U.S. after a 21-day comment period, giving Canadian businesses time to find alternative suppliers.
On Sunday, Finance Canada published the list of specific items that are part of the initial $30 billion response.
It includes many food products and consumer goods, including tools, clothing, furniture, and appliances.
Canola, barley, oats, and certain wheat products are on the list. That means a Canadian crush plant, for example, that purchases canola grown in the northern U.S. will have to decide whether to pay the tariff or cut off purchases from American farmers.
The list of what’s not included in Canada’s first round of retaliatory tariffs notably includes American corn, cattle, soybeans/meal, ethanol, and other biofuels.
Finance Canada has already indicated the second tariff package will include beef and pork products, and fruits and vegetables, as well as steel, aluminum, and vehicles.
As for the list that takes effect on Feb. 4, here are some of the product categories that caught our attention:
(Of course, check official customs data for the most specific product definitions and category details)
- Wheat and wheat flour
- Durum wheat
- Barley
- Oats
- Canola oil
- Sunflower seed
- Live poultry (turkeys, ducks, geese) and certain poultry meat products
- Many dairy products, including milk, cream, yogurt, whey, butter, cheese
- Eggs
- Honey
- Tomatoes
- Beans
- Oranges
- Coffee and tea
- Margarine
- Sugar (cane or beet)
- Certain chocolate products
- Pasta (many categories)
- Alcohols, including different categories of wine, vodka, tequila, whiskey, rum
- Tobacco products
- Tires (many categories)
- Wood (many categories), plywood, OSB/particle board
- Toilet paper, deodorants
- Clothing and footwear (many categories)
- Hand tools, saws, drills
- Air compressors/pumps
- Lawn mowers
- Snow plows and blowers
- Appliances (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers, ovens, toasters)
- Motorcycles
- Unmanned aircraft
- Firearms — specific types of muzzle-loaders, shotguns, rifles
Let us know if we’re missing any products on the list that are significant for your farm or business. My email address is [email protected].
