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 the Renewal of USMCA

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.   

Canada → United States

On August 22, 2026, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff on nearly USD 20 billion (CAD 28 billion) worth of imports from Canada (as announced on July 20, 2026).  The U.S.’ Section 338 tariffs were introduced through three separate proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930. You can review the official White House Fact Sheet for direct links to the full text and corresponding product annexes for each proclamation.

While fresh fruit and vegetable commodities are not included in the Section 338 tariffs, members should be aware that certain packaging materials used in fresh produce packaging are implicated.

On July 1, 2026, the United States declined to automatically extend the USMCA agreement, subjecting it to an annual review process for the next 10 years. While USMCA-compliant goods from Canada and Mexico currently remain tariff-free, the agreement’s future will be evaluated each year. Goods that do not meet USMCA requirements remain subject to a 35% tariff.

PLEASE 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.

To ensure tariff-free entry for product going from Canada into the United States, members are strongly encouraged to include CUSMA Certificates of Origin with all shipment documents. 

Learn more about certifying the origin of goods under CUSMA

United States → Canada

On August 21, 2026, the Prime Minister announced that Canada will match the U.S. tariffs "dollar-for-dollar" to protect Canadian workers and businesses, with counter tariffs coming into effect September 8, 2026. The list of Canada’s counter tariffs can be viewed here: Complete list of U.S. products subject to counter tariffs.

As with the U.S. tariffs, fresh fruit and vegetable commodities are not included in the announced Canadian retaliatory tariffs, but members should be aware that certain packaging materials used in fresh produce packaging are implicated, at the same rate as that imposed by the U.S.

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

As of August 26, 2026, pending approval of the Governor in Council, it is the Government of Canada’s intention for the new counter tariffs to benefit from remission in line with existing relief.

  • Product and company-specific remission that has been implemented under the United States Surtax Remission Order will apply to the new tariff measures, in accordance with the terms of the Order.  For example, steel goods currently eligible for remission of the 25% tariff would benefit from relief of the 50% tariff. 
     
    In addition, the new tariff measures will be eligible for horizontal remission under the United States Surtax Remission Order covering the following goods/purposes until June 30, 2027:
    • All goods for use by identified public health, public safety and national security entities
    • Steel goods for use in auto and aerospace manufacturing
    • Non-steel goods for use in manufacturing, processing, food and beverage packaging and agricultural production in Canada

Claims for remission or refunds of duties paid can be made in accordance with the “How to Apply” section of the CBSA’s Customs Notice. Please note that by using the appropriate authorization code on your customs declaration, duties can be waived at the time of the importation, rather than needing to be paid and reimbursed.

For goods not already eligible for remission, the Department is continuing to accept and assess requests for remission under the U.S. Remission Framework, which provides for remission in certain circumstances, e.g., where goods used as inputs cannot be sourced domestically.

Learn about the process for requesting remission of tariffs that apply on certain goods from the U.S.

In addition to remission, importers may also be eligible for surtax relief on re-exported goods, through the Duties Relief or Duty Drawback Programs.

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