Mar 6, 2025

Fruits among list of U.S. goods targeted by retaliatory Canadian tariffs

Cucumbers, along with a long list of fruits, are among U.S. goods targeted in the first phase of retaliatory tariffs announced March 4 by Canada.

Canada’s Department of Finance announced 25% tariffs on a list of U.S. goods worth $30 billion in a rapid response to 25% tariffs levied by Donald Trump’s administration on Canadian and Mexican goods.

Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, said in a statement that an additional list of $125 billion in goods is open for a 21-day comment period and will be imposed “should the U.S. continue to apply unjustified tariffs on Canada.”

The first-phase list includes chilled or fresh tomatoes, fresh or dried citrus fruit, raspberries, blackberries, melons, apricots, cherries, peaches and plums.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that country would announce its own retaliatory tariffs on Sunday, March 9.

Trump also doubled the 10% tariff imposed last month on Chinese products. China responded with tariffs of up to 15% on U.S. farm products including chicken, pork, soy and beef.

“The latest round of tariffs is expected to drive up costs for both the fresh produce industry and consumers, further intensifying concerns over rising prices,” the International Fresh Produce Association said in a statement. “Given the essential role of fresh produce in supporting Americans’ health and nutrition, IFPA will actively seek exemptions for these products wherever the implementation process permits.

“Additionally, IFPA will continue providing the administration with data on the tariffs’ impact on the produce supply chain to inform policy decisions.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) has also expressed concerns over the impact that tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China will have on U.S. farmers.

“Farmers support the goals of ensuring security and fair trade with other nations, but additional tariffs, along with expected retaliatory tariffs, will take a toll on rural America,” AFBF president Zippy Duvall said in a statement. “We ask the president to continue working with our international partners to find ways to resolve disagreements quickly, so farmers can focus on feeding families in America and abroad.”

U.S. agricultural exports have steadily increased over the past 25 years, reaching $174 billion in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.