Produce Groups Urge Leaders to Solve Tariff Conflict

Groups Want Stable Food Trade Across North America

Produce industry leaders across North America are calling on the United States, Canada, and Mexico to quickly solve ongoing trade conflicts that involve fresh food tariffs. These disputes are causing problems for farmers, exporters, grocery stores, and families who rely on fresh fruits and vegetables.

Groups like the Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) and the International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA), along with others in the industry, wrote a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. They asked the leaders to end the tariff disagreements and focus on solutions that support all sides.

The letter explains how closely tied the three countries are when it comes to fresh produce. In 2024, Canada imported over $5.5 billion in fresh fruits and vegetables from the U.S. and $3 billion from Mexico. Meanwhile, the U.S. brought in over 24 billion pounds of fresh produce from Mexico and sent $1.7 billion in fresh produce back.

These strong trade links help provide safe, healthy, and affordable food for families in all three nations. The groups agree that it is okay for countries to protect their farmers from unfair trade. But they also say that putting tariffs on fresh food causes serious damage right away.

Since fruits and vegetables are perishable, delays and added costs from tariffs make it hard for businesses to stay profitable and for people to buy fresh, healthy food.