A Cross-Border Lifeline for Fresh Produce

Fresh fruits and vegetables are among the most perishable commodities in global trade. Their successful movement depends on fast, efficient, and temperature-controlled transportation systems — supported by clear regulatory frameworks and collaboration across every link of the supply chain.

CPMA continues to closely monitor trade developments and advocate for the uninterrupted, tariff-free movement of fresh produce across North America. This includes regular engagement with government officials in Canada and the U.S. to ensure that the voices of our members are heard during ongoing trade discussions and tariff negotiations.

Joint letter to North American leaders urging action on produce trade

Note: A product’s country of origin must be identified in accordance with the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purposes of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations. Products moving in bond to Canada via the United States (that do not enter the stream of U.S. commerce) are not subject to tariffs.

Did You Know?

Canada imported $5.5 B in fresh produce from the U.S. in 2024
— while exporting $4.5 B southbound.

That’s nearly $10 B in annual cross-border produce trade.   

Key Statistics on Canada-U.S. Fresh Produce Trade

Source: Statistics Canada, 2024

In 2024, Canada imported $5.5 billion in fresh produce from the United States — representing nearly half of all fresh produce imports. Canadian companies exported $4.5 billion in fresh produce to the U.S., accounting for more than 97% of all produce exports.

Top 5 Commodities Imported from the U.S. (2024)

Commodity

Value (CAD)

Lettuce

$530.4 million

Strawberries

$478.6 million

Grapes

$326.0 million

Onions & Shallots

$273.4 million

Cauliflower & Broccoli

$261.5 million

Top 5 Commodities Exported to the U.S. (2024)

Commodity

Value (CAD)

Tomatoes

$826.6 million

Cucumbers

$819.4 million

Peppers

$813.7 million

Potatoes

$527.4 million

Mushrooms

$482.7 million

Canada & Mexico → United States

As of July 31, 2025, U.S. President Trump announced that USMCA-compliant goods originating from Canada and Mexico remain tariff-free. Goods that are not USMCA-compliant remain subject to a 35% tariff.

Executive Order – July 31, 2025

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure tariff-free entry for product going from Canada or Mexico into the United States, members are strongly encouraged to include CUSMA Certificates of Origin with all shipment documents. Without proof of qualification, a 35% surtax may apply (at the discretion of U.S. Border Services Officers).

Learn more about certifying the origin of goods under CUSMA

United States → Canada

On August 22, 2025, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will remove its retaliatory tariffs on CUSMA-compliant goods as of September 1.

The initial set of Canadian tariffs on certain U.S. products, announced  March 4, 2025, included several items pertinent to our industry. Until September 1, surtaxes on affected products are assessed transactionally as part of the Commercial Accounting Declaration (CAD) and payable through the CARM Client Portal. account with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

CPMA continues to advocate that, as long as Canadian fresh produce is granted tariff-free entry into the U.S., fresh fruits and vegetables should be excluded from any retaliatory measures against the United States.

Guidance on U.S. Surtax Remission

Many members have sought clarity on the process for requesting remission of surtaxes incurred under Canada’s retaliatory measures.

Companies seeking remission should:

  1. Submit requests to [email protected], including “U.S. Remission” in the subject line.
  2. Provide all required information as outlined in the template for submissions on Canada.ca.
  3. Reference CBSA Customs Notice 25-19: United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) for eligibility and procedural details.

On May 20, 2025, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) updated Customs Notice 25-19 to expand guidance on temporary duty relief under the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025). Members may contact CBSA directly at 1-800-461-9999 with questions regarding eligibility.

Driving Policy That Keeps Produce Moving

Advocating for the free flow of fresh produce across North America

Collaborating with partners in Canada, the U.S., and Mexico on trade alignment

Ensuring fresh fruits and vegetables remain excluded from retaliatory tariffs

Providing real-time, verified updates to CPMA members 

Recognizing that this is a swiftly evolving situation, we will continue to support our members with information and resources of particular relevance to the fresh produce sector but will not share information readily available through mainstream media.

Information and resources

Canada
United States
Mexico