U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Grain Will Cost American Families, Says GGC
February 3, 2025 – The U.S. administration’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products, set to take effect tomorrow, will drive up the cost of essential food staples for American families, warns Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).
“This isn’t just a tariff on Canadian farmers—it’s a tax on every American family purchasing loaf of bread, oatmeal, canola oil, and other food staples at the grocery store,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “A 25% tariff is, in effect, a 25% tax on American consumers,” he added.
The United States imports over $17 billion worth of Canadian grain and grain products every year to meet domestic demand. These imports include wheat for bread, durum for pasta, oats for food products, canola for oil and biofuels, barley for feed and brewing, and other grain and grain products for widespread usage.
As of 2023, Canadian wheat exports to the U.S. totaled over $1 billion, oats reached $580 million, barley accounted for over $200 million, and canola exports—crucial for cooking oil and biofuels—were valued at $8.5 billion.
“Reckless tariffs will only lead to costly consequences,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and Alberta grain farmer. “This is both true for Canadian grain farmers but also American producers who rely on Canadian potash to fertilize their farms. Whether you’re growing crops or buying groceries, these tariffs will make life more expensive at a time when most are already being priced out.”
Beyond food prices, these tariffs threaten the broader U.S. agricultural economy. Canadian grain imports allow American farmers to focus on high-value exports, securing better returns for their crops and strengthening North America’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse.
“It’s time to move past the tariffs and work together to continue creating the strongest international cross-border agriculture sector,” added Larkin. “Policies like this only punish the people they claim to protect. Consumers and farmers, on both sides of the border, deserve better.”
SaskOilseeds is a member of Grain Growers of Canada.
Media Contact:
Grain Growers of Canada
media@graingrowers.ca
(514) 834-8841