Ottawa – The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), who represent over 190,000 family farms across Canada, is extremely disappointed to see the widespread 25% tariffs implemented by the U.S. today.
Canada and the U.S. share one of the most significant agricultural trading relationships in the world, raising serious concerns about the short and long-term ramifications these measures will have on producers and consumers on both sides of the border. The U.S. sells more goods to Canada than to any other country. Roughly 70% of Canadian goods exported to the U.S. are used in the production of other goods. These tariffs will disrupt highly integrated supply chains, resulting in price increases for consumers and negatively affecting the competitiveness of North American agriculture.
“These tariffs are going to have negative consequences for farmers and consumers on both sides of the border. There’s no question.” said Keith Currie, CFA President.
“Our agriculture sectors rely on each other, not just to sell products to one another but also to provide essential inputs to grow food such as fertilizer. No one wins in a trade dispute between Canada and the U.S. except for our competitors around the world. Tariffs are quite simply, bad business.”
“We stand in support with the Government of Canada’s immediate response but, right now, we need strong diplomatic leadership to bring a swift resolution to these damaging trade measures. That is in everyone’s best interests.” said Currie.
CFA is extremely concerned with the potential impacts of these tariffs on the Canadian agri-food sector and is actively working with the government on next steps to ensure that impacted farmers and farm businesses will have the support they need to weather this storm, particularly those impacted by the compounding effects of Canadian countervailing measures.
Source : CFA-FCA