On March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump implemented a 25% tariff on imports from Canada.
These developments have raised concerns among industry experts about the potential impact on Alberta’s economic growth, job market, and food and beverage sector. The tariffs could disrupt supply chains, increase costs for producers, and weaken the industry’s competitiveness. In this uncertain climate, strengthening Alberta’s local food systems and advocating for continued government support for the “Made in Alberta” initiative has never been more critical.
AFPA’s Commitment to Advocacy
Since the tariff threat emerged, AFPA has been actively advocating for Alberta’s food and beverage industry, warning of the potential impact on businesses and the broader economy. We recognize the importance of reliable access to packaging materials, ingredients, and international markets—especially the U.S.—and continue to engage with industry partners and government officials to protect our members’ interests.
As the voice of Alberta’s food and beverage industry, AFPA is committed to keeping our members informed about evolving trade developments and potential risks. Stay updated on AFPA’s social media channels and website for breaking news, advocacy efforts, and guidance on navigating these uncertainties.
Bianca Parsons, AFPA’s Executive Director, has joined the Food and Beverage Canada (FBC-ABC) Working Group on Canada-U.S. Relations to address these evolving trade dynamics. This working group is focused on:
- Intelligence Sharing: Providing timely, accurate data to inform decisions at all levels.
- Aligned Messaging and Communications: Ensuring a unified voice for industry concerns.
- Government Consultations: Engaging in discussions about retaliatory tariffs and industry priorities.
- Advocacy Opportunities: Championing Alberta’s food and beverage sector in the face of trade challenges.
The Latest
Canadian businesses impacted by response to U.S. tariffs to benefit from relief
October 17, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada
The Minister of Finance and National Revenue, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, today announced relief to support Canadian businesses affected by the countermeasures Canada has announced in response to the tariffs imposed by the United States.
Stay Up To Date: Webinars & Events
- EMC’s Customs Broker Presentation – Recorded Feb 6, 2025
This virtual information session with a leading customs broker provides expert insights into navigating the challenges of potential trade disruptions. With the looming uncertainty surrounding Canada / US Trade Relations and their implications, this session addresses critical questions. - Preparing for tariff impacts that go beyond the bottom line – Recorded Mar 12, 2025
MNP’s latest Business Owners Series webinar brings together advisors from across MNP to explain how tariffs may impact your business in unexpected ways, and deliver strategies to consider to help you navigate through uncertainty.
Resources
- FCC launches Trade Disruption Customer Support program for agriculture and food industry – Western Grocer – Mar 7
- Resources for Businesses Affected by U.S. Tariffs · BDC
- Tariff Preparedness Diagnostic Toolkit · Bennett Jones
- What Canadian Exporters Need to Know About the Impact of U.S. Tariffs · EDC
- Canadian Tariff Finder · Government of Canada Trade Commissioner Service
- Canada-U.S. Trade Tracker · Canadian Chamber of Commerce
- Tariff Business Resources & Webinars · Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
- Tariffs 101: What You Need to Know · MNP
- US-Canada Tariff Policy Roadmap · MNP
- Letter from Hon. RJ Sigurdson RE: U.S. Tariffs · (.pdf)
- Calgary Chamber of Commerce’s Response to U.S. Tariff Threat · Feb 1
- EMC’s Member Needs Help is an exclusive service now open to all Canadian manufacturers on the topic of Canada / US Trade Relations. It is designed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing within the manufacturing community. Whether you’re seeking advice or offering expertise, Member Needs Help: Canada / US Trade Relations is your platform to strengthen connections and navigate challenges together.
- U.S. Tariffs: What’s Next? 5 Ways Small and Medium-Sized Canadian Businesses Can Navigate Uncertainty · RBC
- PCB Tariff Hotline and Email for Questions Regarding Tariffs · 1.888.906.6638 · tariffquestions@pcbglobaltrade.com
- Canada Food Flow: Where Do Canada’s Fruits & Vegetables Come From? · UBC
- Canada Gazette – Notice of intent to control fentanyl precursor chemicals and carisoprodol under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act · Government of Canada
Federal Government Announces Support for Workers and Businesses
Impact of US Tariffs on Canadian Food · March 2025 · Food Processing Skills Canada
AFPA in the News
- The Canadians and Danes boycotting American products · Apr 8, 2025 · BBC
- Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Alberta’s Food Industry: Local Businesses Struggle Amid Trade Barriers · DigitalNews · Mar 21, 2025
- Calgary not-for-profit aims to help shoppers buy Albertan with website · Global Calgary · Mar 9, 2025
- How interprovincial trade barriers are impacting Edmonton local businesses · Edmonton Journal · Feb 14, 2025
- Prairies Economic Development minister meets business leaders in Edmonton amid tariff threat · CBC Edmonton · Feb 13, 2025
- The Discourse Podcast · YouTube · Feb 13, 2025
- Buying Made-in-Alberta Amid Trade Uncertainty · CityNews Calgary · Feb 5, 2025
- Why Supporting Locally Made Products is Important Beyond Tariffs · CTV News Edmonton · Feb 3, 2025
- Website Showcases Made in Alberta Foods as Tariffs Push Canadians to Buy Local · Lethbridge News Now · Feb 3, 2025
- Alberta Industries Moving Forwards Tariff Threat · Global News Edmonton · Feb 1, 2025
- Alberta Food Processors Mull Potential Effects of Threatened U.S. Tariffs · CTV News Edmonton · Jan 23, 2025
- How Tariffs Would Affect the Food and Beverage Industry · CBC Edmonton Radio · Jan 23, 2025
- Made in Alberta Calls for Strong Support Amid Evolving Trade Challenges · Press Release (.pdf) · Jan 21, 2025
- Food and Beverage Canada calls for strong govt. action in response to U.S. tariffs – Food in Canada
AFPA is proud to sit on the board of FBC and join this federal association to support Canadian food and beverage companies. Together, we are working to help businesses navigate tariffs and strengthen the industry nationwide.
Moving Forward Together
AFPA remains committed to protecting Alberta’s food and beverage industry from the potential fallout of a Canada-U.S. trade dispute. By staying informed, advocating for our industry, and strengthening local initiatives, we can work together to navigate these challenges and ensure long-term growth for Alberta’s food sector.
