Donald Trump's threat to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian imports, which would come into effect on February 1, is worrying Quebec's maple syrup producers. We talk to Joël Vaudeville, PPAQ Communications Director.

In the Montérégie-Ouest region, the maple syrup industry represents 1.2 million taps owned by 245 companies. Of these, 14% are certified organic. Annually, 5.7 million pounds of maple syrup are produced, with a total market value of $18.8 million.

More specifically, in the Vaudreuil-Soulanges MRC, there are 31 maple syrup companies and a total of 151,714 taps. Annual maple syrup production in this part of the country is 700,919 pounds, valued at $2.3 million.

In Beauharnois-Salaberry, there are 28 maple syrup companies with a total of 96,517 taps. Annual production in this region amounts to 445,909 pounds of maple syrup, valued at $1.4 million.

Nationally, 239 million pounds of maple syrup were produced in 2024. Of this total, 100 million pounds were shipped to the United States. 

Mr. Vaudeville makes no secret of the fact that the PPAQ is worried about Mr. Trump's intentions.“If his threats really come into effect, it will have a major impact on our industry, that's for sure.But right now, it's questionable whether there will be tariffs. They were supposed to go into effect on January 20, but have been postponed until February 1. Another question is: if rates are introduced, will they really be 25%? If so, it will be worrying, because between 60% and 65% of the maple syrup produced in Montérégie is exported to the United States to be sold in supermarkets”, he informs us.

Thanks to the Canada-Europe free trade agreement, the sweet nectar produced by the maple syrup industry can also be exported to Europe.  “A total of 8% of the world's production goes to Germany, and 6% to the UK and France. If the 25% tariffs come into force, we can anticipate that this will have an impact on consumer bills. We can also expect an impact on maple syrup sales south of the border. Perhaps we can also expect an increase in demand on the European market. Once it's ready, maple syrup has a shelf life of ten years. So, if we end up with a surplus, it will be sent to our strategic reserve.”

For the uninitiated, the strategic reserve ensures a constant supply to the markets, regardless of the size of the harvest. “Normally, the syrup we send there is not paid to producers right away, but only when it's sold. However, we are currently in discussions with the provincial government to see if it would be possible to offer producers remuneration while waiting for syrup from the reserve to be sold, if the tariffs imposed are implemented.”

By his own admission, Vaudeville is trying to keep a cool head about Trump's threats. “We don't know if the tariffs have gone into effect, and if so, how much they will amount to. We're currently looking at all scenarios.”

If the tariffs do go into effect, Mr. Vaudeville isn't worried that it will lead to product destructuring. “If all American supermarkets decide to stop putting it on the shelves, that would be problematic. Some retailers have a strategy of stocking as much maple syrup as possible, which may be a good option. There may be space issues involved, however, but it can be a good option,” he concludes.