Articles

What You Told Us About U.S. Tariffs—and Why It Matters

By Community Manager posted 06-24-2025 14:03

  

When President Trump announced 25% tariffs on nearly all Canadian imports earlier this year, the impact was swift and significant for Canada’s food sector. Reliable supply chains and cross-border partnerships were disrupted overnight, and many CFIN members faced some difficult decisions. 

We launched a pulse poll on YODL to capture the immediate impact that tariffs, or the threat of tariffs, had on Canadian food businesses. As Canada continues to rethink trade relationships and mitigation strategies, both across provinces and beyond our borders, your insights helped us shape our recommendations for targeted support, more responsive trade policies, and a stronger voice for food innovators in national decision-making. 

What You Told Us 

Here’s a snapshot of the responses: 

  • Costs were passed down the line: Nearly one-third of respondents were preparing to pass tariff-related costs directly to consumers or clients, demonstrating the economic knock-on effects of long-term trade disputes with the U.S. 

  • Exporters pivoted fast: 22% of respondents were scouting new international markets, signaling a proactive shift in go-to-market strategies to offset risk. 

  • Local sourcing gained ground, with 18% seeking domestic suppliers, highlighting a renewed urgency to strengthen Canadian supply chains. 

  • Layoffs were a last resort: Only 2% reported cutting or freezing staff, suggesting a strong commitment to retaining teams despite financial strain. 

  • Many faced layered challenges: 11% of respondents said all of the above applied, while 13% described unique, company-specific impacts, including shelved expansion plans, stalled investments, increased insurance and freight costs, and renegotiated cross-border contracts. 

What Canadian Food Businesses Can Do to Navigate Tariff Turbulence 

While CFIN continues to advocate for food sector support and more resilient trade policy, food businesses can take proactive steps to protect themselves from future disruption. Based on feedback from our network and current market dynamics, here are four actions to consider: 

  • Strengthen Domestic Supply Chains: Reduce cross-border risk by partnering with Canadian producers, co-manufacturers, and service providers. Many CFIN members are already using YODL to connect with local suppliers for ingredients, packaging, and more. 

  • Plan for Uncertainty: Build flexibility into pricing, procurement, and logistics. Scenario planning and multi-supplier strategies can help buffer against policy volatility and unexpected trade shifts. 

At the recent G7 Summit, Prime Minister Carney and President Trump signaled renewed interest in resolving bilateral trade tensions. While the long-term outcome remains uncertain, food companies that monitor developments closely and build adaptive strategies will be better positioned to respond. 

How We’re Using Your Feedback 

Your responses are shaping how we advocate for smarter trade policies and stronger support for food innovators navigating market uncertainty. We’ve incorporated these findings into briefings for government stakeholders and used them to inform the development of our new guide to the top markets for Canadian food innovators, which supports companies exploring new international opportunities amid shifting trade dynamics.  

This work continues as we advocate for smarter, more responsive policies that help Canada’s food sector stay competitive—even (and especially) when the ground shifts. 

Want to better understand your market, validate a new opportunity, or shape policy conversations with real data? CFIN can help. Visit our Partnership Opportunities page to learn more. 

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