U.S. and Chinese tariffs, plus support from the federal government all came within days
Canadian farmers found themselves on the receiving end of support from the federal government, tariff threats from the U.S. and the imposition of tariffs from another country in recent days.
March 7 – Tariff Threat From America
President Trump threatens tariffs against Canadian dairy and lumber.
“Canada has been ripping us off for years on tariffs for lumber and for dairy products,” he said in the Oval Office. “(A) 250 per cent tariff, which is taking advantage of our farmers.”
The president promised to “charge the same thing.”
Canada’s tariffs on dairy only apply after a certain quantity of tariff-free dairy sales are reached.
March 7 – Canadian Response to Trade War
To support Canadian workers and businesses as the trade war with the U.S. continues, the federal government announced $6.5 billion of supports.
$1 billion is dedicated to Farm Credit Canada to launch a trade disruption customer support program.
The program includes access to an additional credit line up to $500,000 and new term loans.
And Export Development Canada will receive $5 billion over two years to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian goods.
March 8 – China Places Tariffs on Canadian Ag
Beginning March 20, China is putting additional 100 per cent tariffs on Canadian canola and peas, and additional 25 per cent tariffs on pork and seafood products.
This comes after China completed its anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola, which it launched in September 2024.
The tariff amounts mirror those Canada placed on Chinese electric vehicles and steel and aluminum in October 2024.
Sask. Premier Scott Moe says his province’s canola industry “is being put in the line of fire.”
Members of the canola sector warn these tariffs “will have a devastating impact on canola farmers.”
In a joint statement, the federal agriculture, trade, and fisheries ministers say Canada doesn’t accept the investigation or its findings.
March 9 – Potential Relief From a Carney Government
After winning the Liberal leadership race and becoming the prime minister-designate, Mark Carney outlined some of his policies to support Canadians.
“So my government will immediately eliminate the divisive consumer carbon tax on families and farmers and small and medium-sized businesses, and we will stop – and we will stop – the hike in the capital gains tax, because we think builders, we think builders should be incentivizes or taking risks and rewarded when they succeed,” he said during his victory speech.