This report warns that US Tariffs will drive up food prices and increase food insecurity in Canada. It details how these tariffs will hit every stage of the supply chain, resulting in raised costs for consumers, reduced food availability and increased demand for non-profits, which are already stretched beyond capacity. The report also provides an analysis of the impact by province and territory.
Key findings include:
- More than 60 per cent of all Canadian greenhouse vegetables are exported, with 99.5 per cent of that sold to the US. Losing this market will be devastating as most greenhouse operations have low profit margins.
- More than 90 per cent of all Canadian potato exports in fresh, seed and frozen varieties go to the US. Potatoes are New Brunswick’s largest agricultural commodity.
- More than 75 per cent of Canadian beef and 30 per cent of Canadian pork is exported to the US every year.
- Canadian households could see costs increase by up to $1,900 per year, with prices of staples like bread rising from $3.50 to $5.00.
- Unemployment is expected to rise to 8%, forcing more people to turn to food relief organizations for support.
- Reduced donations and rising transportation costs will make it harder for food relief organizations to meet demand.
Published By: Second Harvest, conducted by StrategyCorp Institute of Public Policy and Economy
Publication Date: April, 2025
Click here to access The Cost of Conflict: Tariffs and Food Insecurity
