- Trump threatens tariffs on Canadian goods effective Aug. 19, which has raised concerns among Canadian beekeepers.
- Trump vows tariffs in retaliation for wildfire smoke drifting into the U.S., stating, "We're going to put a big tariff on Canada because of the smoke."
- Canadian beekeepers warn that honey import tariffs could lead to business failures and a potential 40% drop in prices.
- Beekeepers estimate their hives support $7-billion in Canadian agriculture through pollination of various crops.
- Last year, the U.S. imported just over US$20-million in Canadian honey, while selling nearly US$10-million in queen bees to Canada.
- Long-term imposition of the honey tariff could hurt employment of seasonal workers and reduce investment, according to Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.
- Honey prices have been low in recent years, leading many producers to operate at a loss while waiting for a price surge.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Canada due to wildfire smoke, stating, "We're going to put a big tariff on Canada because of the smoke," during a recent press conference. This comes as Canadian beekeepers express alarm over potential U.S. honey import tariffs, which could devastate their industry.3
Beekeepers warn that if tariffs are enacted on August 19, honey prices could plummet by 40%, leading to business failures. Peter Awram, who runs Worker Bee Honey Co., stated, "The whole industry is in an uproar over this. It will be brutal." The president of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Mr. Lalonde, echoed these concerns, saying it would likely mean a "total termination" of exports to the U.S.7
Currently, Canada supplies only 2% of the honey consumed in the U.S., but the potential tariffs could have broader implications. Last year, the U.S. imported over US$20 million in Canadian honey, while exporting nearly US$10 million in queen bees to Canada. The beekeeping industry supports $7 billion in Canadian agriculture through pollination.5
Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit warned that long-term tariffs could harm seasonal employment and investment. "If exports to the U.S. are halted, there’s a good chance of prices dropping 40 per cent, maybe more," said Awram. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reaffirmed its ban on certain imports, prioritizing bee health over economic interests.
Trump's tariffs are also seen as a response to criticism from U.S. Congress members regarding Canada's wildfire management. Laura Dawson noted that Trump's threats are more about "getting an impact" than legal trade grounds, as there is "absolutely no basis in trade law for wildfire smoke."
“Honey prices could drop 40% if tariffs proceed, threatening an industry that supports $7 billion in Canadian agriculture. Experts note no trade law basis exists for Trump's wildfire smoke tariff threat.”
The Globe and Mail
