FVGC welcomes tariff pause on Canadian and Mexican exports to U.S.

The Fruit and Vegetable Growers of Canada (FVGC) welcomes recent reports that the incoming U.S. administration plans to delay the proposed imposition of across-the-board tariffs on Canadian and Mexican exports. This measured decision provides a valuable opportunity for the Government of Canada and the fruit and vegetable sector to engage with stakeholders and underscore the benefits of fair and free intercontinental trade.

“We are cautiously optimistic about this development,” said Marcus Janzen, president of FVGC. “The pause reflects a prudent approach to trade and underscores the critical need to support growers, ensuring a resilient food production system that safeguards food security and affordable groceries for families on both sides of the border.”

The proposed tariffs, if implemented, would have destabilizing effects on Canadian agriculture, threatening $4.4 billion in annual fruit and vegetable exports to the United States. Greenhouse growers, who export up to 80 per cent of their produce to the U.S., would be particularly hard hit, while restrictions on Mexican imports could flood the Canadian market with diverted produce, creating downward pressure on prices and devastating Canadian growers.