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Navigating U.S. Tariffs: Resource Guide for Canadian Food Businesses

By Community Manager posted 03-10-2025 13:13

  

Canadian food and beverage businesses are facing significant impacts from U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports. The Canadian Food Innovation Network (CFIN) is here to support you through this challenging period. 

What's Happening? 

  • The U.S. has imposed tariffs of up to 25% on a wide range of Canadian goods, significantly impacting food exports. The tariffs went into effect on Tuesday, March 3, but many were temporarily removed until April 2. 

  • All Canadian food businesses exporting to or importing from the U.S. stand to be negatively affected by this uncertainty, regardless of if the tariffs are ever enacted for an extended period. 

Federal Government Resources 

Food businesses can leverage federal programs dedicated to helping businesses affected by U.S. tariffs. These initiatives offer financial aid, strategic advice, and advocacy to reduce the strain on your operations: 

  • CanExport Funding: The federal CanExport program offers funding to help Canadian SMEs explore new overseas markets. With CanExport SMEs grants, you can get financial support (for travel, marketing, compliance testing, etc.) to develop business in markets beyond the U.S. 

  • Export Development Canada (EDC) – Launching the Trade Impact Program to deploy $5 billion over two years, starting this year, to help exporters reach new markets for Canadian products and help companies navigate the economic challenges imposed by the tariffs. It also offers credit insurance, financial solutions, and risk management advice for exporters. 

  • Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – Providing $500 million in favourably priced loans for businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs, along with businesses in their supply chains. Offers advisory services in financial management and market diversification. 

  • Farm Credit Canada (FCC) – Providing $1 billion in new financing to help Canadian agriculture and food businesses address cash flow challenges and adjust to a new operating environment. 

 

Provincial Export Organizations & Resources 

These provincial organizations and government agencies provide comprehensive export services for local businesses and often administer funding programs to offset costs for trade shows and market exploration. 

  • Trade and Invest BC – Supports B.C. exporters with trade missions, market intelligence, and international networking. 

  • Canada-Ontario Export Forum (COEF) – A partnership of 21 agencies and organizations that helps Ontario businesses develop and diversify their exports to become more globally competitive. 

  • Invest Nova Scotia – Provides export readiness training, market intelligence, and facilitates trade missions. 

  • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) – Creates opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative, and productive. They offer various programs and services to support businesses in reaching international markets. 

Trade Compliance & Customs Support 

  • Canada Tariff Finder – Quickly identify tariff rates and trade agreements applicable to your products. 

Business Networks & Industry Associations 

Navigating trade turbulence is easier with a strong network. In addition to CFIN, connect with industry associations and business groups that are coordinating support and advocacy: 

  • Food & Beverage Canada – Advocates nationally for food processors; provides trade updates and industry networking opportunities. 

Alternative Markets with Free Trade Agreements 

Canada has free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous countries, offering tariff-free or reduced-tariff access to those markets. Explore FTAs to access tariff-free or reduced-tariff markets outside the U.S., such as:  

These FTAs mean Canadian agri-food products can often enter those markets with low or zero duties—a huge competitive advantage. Explore markets where you can capitalize on this. For instance, under CETA, almost all Canadian food products enter Europe duty-free. Under CPTPP, you have preferred access to Japan, Vietnam, and beyond.  

The Global Affairs Canada website lists all FTAs and can guide you on the benefits in each. 

Support Canadian Food Businesses 

Help strengthen Canada's food sector by sourcing from innovative Canadian food businesses! 

You can discover new Canadian partners and resources through CFIN resources like: 

  • Resource Finder – An interactive tool that lets you search through our curated database of food-centric resources to identify the companies and services you need.   

  • YODL Open Forum – Make connections and share advice with Canada’s largest community of food business professionals. 

  • Foodtech Solutions Library – Learn more about all the companies CFIN has funded and discover new Made in Canada foodtech solutions. 

Stay resilient, informed, and connected. CFIN is here to help you navigate this challenge. 

 

Comments

Jade Proulx
03-12-2025 16:45

Pour les entreprises québécoises, nous vous invitons à consulter le site web de Saint-Hyacinthe Technopole où vous trouverez une page d’information dédiée à la guerre commerciale canado-américaine. Celle-ci regroupe les solutions et programmes de soutien disponibles pour les entreprises de notre territoire.

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