Trade Archives - Newsline by Cole's Ag

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 10, 2025, 3:42pm

Canadian Grain Farmers Threatened by Trade War on Two Fronts with the U.S. and China

March 10, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Canadian grain farmers are facing a trade crisis on two fronts, with escalating tariffs from both the United States and China threatening billions in exports and putting the future of family farms at exceptional risk. The Chinese government’s decision to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canadian canola oil, canola meal, and peas comes as trade tensions with the U.S. continue to pressure Canada’s grain sector.

“With uncertainty mounting with the United States, our largest export market, the last thing grain farmers needed was a trade war with China, our second largest export market,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “Together, the U.S. and China account for over half of all Canadian grain exports — losing access or facing exorbitant tariffs in both markets at once is a threat farmers cannot afford to absorb.”

Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) echo the concerns raised by the Canadian Canola Growers Association (CCGA), Canola Council of Canada (CCC), and Pulse Canada that farmers are facing mounting pressure which could cause a net loss for many.

In 2024, Canada exported 2 million metric tonnes of canola meal to China, valued at $918 million, and over 15,000 metric tonnes of canola oil, valued at over $20.5 million. The five-year average for yellow pea exports to China stands at over 1.5 million metric tonnes, valued at more than $740 million annually. Canada also exports over $17 billion worth of grain and grain products to the U.S. each year — a market increasingly threatened by shifting trade policies.

“These tariffs will push down the prices farmers receive for our crops, just as input costs and government regulations are already eating into our bottom line,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC. “When farmers see prices drop, it impacts every part of their operation — from how much they can invest in next year’s crop to their ability to support their families. We’re being forced to pay the price for political decisions beyond our control.”

The Chinese tariffs are a direct response to Canada’s recent decision to impose tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, steel, and aluminum.

“Farmers are being treated as collateral damage in international trade disputes,” Larkin said. “We’re calling on the government to take immediate action — first, to engage with China to find a resolution and, second, to establish a compensation plan to cover the financial losses farmers are facing.”

GGC stands with CCGA, CCC, and Pulse Canada in urging the federal government to defend Canada’s agricultural sector and maintain access to key export markets.

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About Grain Growers of Canada (GGC):
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through our 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. Our members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and for 160 countries around the world, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC champions federal policies that support the competitiveness and profitability of grain growers across Canada.

For more information, please contact:
Grain Growers of Canada
514-834-8841 | media@graingrowers.ca

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on March 4, 2025, 10:02am

CORRECTION: GGC Sounds the Alarm on U.S. Tariffs Threatening Family-Run Grain Farms

March 4, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) is sounding the alarm on the United States’ decision to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian grain and grain products, a move that threatens the viability of family-run grain farms and drives up food costs for American consumers.

“Tariffs of this magnitude will put family-run grain farms at risk by introducing widespread market uncertainty,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “The U.S. is by far our largest trading partner, with over $17 billion CAD of Canadian grain and grain products exported to every year. These unjustified tariffs threaten that trade relationship—and farmers’ livelihoods.”

Canada exports over 70% of the grain it produces to over 150 countries around the world. The prices Canadian farmers receive for crops such as wheat, canola, oats, barley, and pulses are tied to international markets. Disruptions to trade networks drive down farmgate prices, making it harder for growers to stay afloat.

“As price takers, grain farmers are at the whim of the global markets that we export to,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and an Alberta grain farmer. “Margins are already razor-thin, and an added financial burden like this could put the future of many family farms in jeopardy.”

“Canadian family-run grain farms are already facing death by a thousand cuts through increased input costs, regulatory burdens, and taxation,” said Larkin. “Uncertainty with our largest trading partner for grain and grain products, on top of ongoing instability with our second-largest trading partner, China, could push many family farms to the brink.”

The importation of $17 billion CAD worth of Canadian grain and grain products supports the United States in being able to meet their own domestic food security needs, while also supporting their agri-food sector in exporting products internationally for the best price possible.

“A 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products is in effect a 25% tax on American consumers who purchase groceries every day,” said Larkin. “From bread and pasta to beer, oatmeal, and canola oil, dozens of products could see price increases amid an affordability crisis for both American and Canadian consumers.”

GGC is calling on the Canadian government to take action to eliminate these recently imposed tariffs. Without their elimination, farmers will face vast uncertainty and consumers will see a spike in their grocery costs.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Grain Growers of Canada
media@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841

NewsLine by Cole's Ag on February 3, 2025, 8:36am

U.S. Tariffs on Canadian Grain Will Cost American Families, Says GGC

Feb. 3, 2025 (Ottawa, ON) – The U.S. administration’s decision to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian grain and grain products, set to take effect tomorrow, will drive up the cost of essential food staples for American families, warns Grain Growers of Canada (GGC).

“This isn’t just a tariff on Canadian farmers—it’s a tax on every American family purchasing loaf of bread, oatmeal, canola oil, and other food staples at the grocery store,” said Kyle Larkin, Executive Director of GGC. “A 25% tariff is, in effect, a 25% tax on American consumers,” he added.

The United States imports over $17 billion worth of Canadian grain and grain products every year to meet domestic demand. These imports include wheat for bread, durum for pasta, oats for food products, canola for oil and biofuels, barley for feed and brewing, and other grain and grain products for widespread usage.

As of 2023, Canadian wheat exports to the U.S. totaled over $1 billion, oats reached $580 million, barley accounted for over $200 million, and canola exports—crucial for cooking oil and biofuels—were valued at $8.5 billion.

“Reckless tariffs will only lead to costly consequences,” said Tara Sawyer, Chair of GGC and Alberta grain farmer. “This is both true for Canadian grain farmers but also American producers who rely on Canadian potash to fertilize their farms. Whether you’re growing crops or buying groceries, these tariffs will make life more expensive at a time when most are already being priced out.”

Beyond food prices, these tariffs threaten the broader U.S. agricultural economy. Canadian grain imports allow American farmers to focus on high-value exports, securing better returns for their crops and strengthening North America’s position as a global agricultural powerhouse.

“It’s time to move past the tariffs and work together to continue creating the strongest international cross-border agriculture sector,” added Larkin. “Policies like this only punish the people they claim to protect. Consumers and farmers, on both sides of the border, deserve better.”

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For media inquiries, please contact:

Grain Growers of Canada
media@graingrowers.ca | 514-834-8841