On September 8, the Canadian government placed a 50 per cent tariff on corrugated paper and paperboard cartons, boxes and cases imported from the United States. The same day tariffs went into place, the Government of Canada signed an Order in Council that effectively removes the retaliatory tariffs on corrugated boxes used in the production of agricultural products and the packaging of food and beverages. This decision prevents the application of the previously announced 50 per cent surtax on corrugated boxes imported from the United States, providing significant relief to Canadian food producers and agricultural businesses that rely on U.S. packaging supplies. 

In an interview with CTV News, Richard Lee, executive director, Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers said the government’s remission is important to avoid large cost increases to produce. He gave the context of a case of cucumbers that might sell anywhere from $8 to $15 for a case. The corrugated packaging could easily account for eight per cent of the cost. 

“Could you imagine a 50 per cent increase to that?” said Lee.

He added that about half of the corrugated boxes used by Ontario greenhouse growers originate in the United States. While there are box producers in Canada, there isn’t enough current capacity to service the entire food sector.

“We would welcome an increase in domestic carton and box production,” says Lee, “but  our growers’ purchasing decisions often come down to the most cost-effective products.” 

Source: CTV News September 11, 2026