Canadian sugar and confectionary companies would be hit particularly hard if U.S. tariffs come into play because most of the industry’s sales go south of the border, experts say.
“Sugar and confectionary does stand out as one of those sectors, especially in the short term, that is very reliant on the U.S., and therefore could see big impacts from U.S. tariffs,” said Farm Credit Canada senior economist Amanda Norris.
The industry is one of Canada’s most vulnerable agri-food sectors because more than 80 per cent of its sales are to the U.S., according to FCC.
Canada and the U.S. are currently in a month-long truce after President Donald Trump threatened sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports. Canada has said it will retaliate with tariffs of its own.
Agriculture and food economic consultant Sebastien Pouliot said if the U.S. does introduce widespread tariffs on Canadian goods, the U.S. could start importing more confectionary …