Higher U.S. tariffs raise concerns about impacts on wool producers, textile businesses, and rural economies.
The Canadian Wool Council has raised concerns about the impact of newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian wool and other products.
The United States has introduced tariffs of 50% on a range of Canadian goods following the collapse of recent trade discussions between Ottawa and Washington.
Matthew J. Rowe, Chairman of the Canadian Wool Council, said the latest measures could create significant challenges for the North American wool and textile industries.
"These new tariffs will only hurt the North American wool industry and damage the fragile gains we've made.
This is not the first time our industry has been caught in the crossfire of this trade dispute, and each escalation cuts deeper. What began as a 25% tariff in early 2025 has now doubled, striking at the heart of a textile trade relationship that predates both of our nations."
Rowe noted that Canadian and American businesses depend heavily on cross-border trade involving raw wool, yarns, knitwear, felts, sweaters, blankets, upholstery, carpets, suits and toques.
The council warned that higher tariffs could increase costs, disrupt established supply chains and make Canadian wool products less competitive in the U.S. market. It also highlighted potential consequences for farmers, sheep producers and textile workers already facing higher input costs and market uncertainty.
The Canadian Wool Council said it supports efforts to protect Canadian industries and urged both governments to resume negotiations and seek a lasting solution.
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