Ottawa, Ont. (Rural Roots Canada) – With the United States’ decision to impose a 50 percent tariff on almost $28 billion worth of Canadian goods following a breakdown of trade talks, Canada has announced its counter-tariffs, matching the tariffs dollar for dollar, with many agricultural and agri-food products in the crosshairs.
The federal government released a detailed list of U.S. products subject to the tariffs Tuesday, including dairy products, natural honey, agricultural machinery and parts, and livestock trailers, among others.
The tariffs vary by product, ranging from 15 to 50 percent.
The dairy sector is among the most directly affected by the new tariffs, with a range of U.S. dairy products facing duties of 25 to 50 percent. The list includes milk and cream powders, whey and whey-protein concentrates, milk proteins and a broad range of cheeses, including cheddar, mozzarella, Gouda, Parmesan and Swiss.
The tariffs also reach beyond farm commodities into the broader agri-food processing sector. U.S. natural honey and molasses are among the products facing a 50 percent tariff, along with a range of wheat-based bakery mixes, doughs and frozen bakery products. The list also includes various food-packaging products, creating the potential for added costs at several points along the food supply chain.
Related: CFA raises concerns over trade war escalation between Canada, U.S.
Beyond food products, agricultural machinery is included. Machinery and parts used for harvesting, threshing, hay and grass cutting, as well as equipment used to clean, sort and grade agricultural products, are facing tariffs of 15% to 25%. There are also multiple steel and aluminum products on the list, which could have implications for farm equipment, livestock producers, and other rural businesses.
The list does not include broad categories of major Canadian agricultural commodities such as canola, wheat, barley, oats, pulses, corn or soybeans.
The measures will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8.
A complete list of products from the United States subject to counter-tariffs can be found at this link.
