February 1, 2025 (OTTAWA) – Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) and its provincial and regional food and beverage manufacturing association partners express deep disappointment over the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose tariffs on Canadian products. These tariffs threaten the deeply integrated agricultural and food supply chains that benefit both Canadian and American farmers, processors, and consumers alike.
The integration of Canadian and U.S. agricultural supply chains strengthens competitiveness for both countries and contributes to a stable, high-quality food system that supports jobs and economic growth on both sides of the border.
FBC-ABC stands ready to work closely with the federal government, as we have to date, on a coordinated and strategic response to these tariffs. We urge the federal government to take a strong, yet measured, approach in addressing these trade challenges while ensuring that Canadian businesses and workers are supported. It is imperative that Canada’s response be part of a unified, Team Canada strategy—one that engages all levels of government, industry stakeholders, and trade partners to protect the interests of Canadian food and beverage manufacturers, and Canadians.
“The changing trade relationship with the U.S. highlights the urgent need to strengthen Canada’s domestic food and beverage manufacturing industry,” said Kristina Farrell, CEO of Food and Beverage Canada. “Our industry is a key economic driver and essential to our food security. We need policies that enhance competitiveness, reduce regulatory burdens, and support innovation so Canadian manufacturers can meet both domestic and international food demands. We stand ready to work with the federal government to achieve these goals.”
While we are pleased that progress is being made to address long-standing trade barriers within Canada, these new tariffs add urgency to the need to strengthen our domestic food and beverage manufacturing industry. There is still more to be done to enhance the industry’s competitiveness, support industry efforts to be more productive, and ensure Canadian manufacturers can meet the growing food demands of other international markets. Avoiding additional regulatory burdens and addressing existing challenges must remain a priority. Canadian manufacturers need a regulatory environment that allows them to compete on an international scale while continuing to meet the food security needs of our domestic market and export partners. Strengthening domestic production will bolster Canada’s resilience against trade disruptions and reinforce its position as a reliable global supplier.
FBC-ABC, Food and Beverage Ontario, Food & Beverage Atlantic, Conseil de la transformation alimentaire du Québec (CTAQ), BC Food & Beverage, Food and Beverage Manitoba, and Alberta Food Processors Association look forward to continuing to work with the federal government to support the growth and resilience of Canada’s food and beverage manufacturing industry. Together, we can strengthen the agri-food sectors ability to navigate global trade challenges while maintaining a secure, competitive, and prosperous food system for all Canadians.
“The Alberta Food Processors Association (AFPA) is concerned about the impact of U.S.-Canada tariffs on Canada’s supply chain. Many companies may not appear to trade heavily with the U.S., but their ingredients or products often end up there. These tariffs could raise costs, driving up prices on everyday food items for all Canadians.” – Bianca Parsons, Executive Director, Alberta Food Processors Association
“As the unified voice of Atlantic Canada’s food, beverage, and seafood processors, we urge the entire supply chain—from retailers to suppliers—to champion a ‘Buy Canada First’ strategy, ensuring Canadian products are prioritized, supported, and celebrated.” – Tammy Brideau, Executive Director, Food & Beverage Atlantic
“Food and beverage manufacturing is the largest manufacturing sector by employment in Canada. In Ontario, our industry is comprised of 4000 companies, 90% of which are small businesses. Resolving the proposed tariffs on Canadian products will continue to support jobs and economic growth on both sides of the border.” – Chris Conway, CEO, Food & Beverage Ontario
Media contact:
Kristina Farrell
CEO, Food and Beverage Canada
613-322-9235