Five provincial apple associations have signed a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, asking for tariffs against imported U.S. apples and apple products if retaliation is needed. The signatories are: Éric Rochon, les producteurs de pommes du Québec; Peter Simonsen, president, BC Fruit Growers’ Association; Chris Hedges, chair, Ontario Apple Growers; Jeffrey Walsh, vice-chair Nova Scotia Fruit Growers’ Association; Apple Growers of New Brunswick. 

The letter reads:

“We are writing to you on behalf of Canadian apple growers in solidarity with the federal government and all parties in implementing measures to respond to the unjustified tariff threats from the United States against Canada. We agree that tariffs are not productive for either country and are concerned about their detrimental impact on consumers and businesses on both sides of the border. However, we support strategic action to defend Canadian industries when necessary.

We urge the government to add fresh apples and apple products to the list of products subject to potential retaliatory measures. Canadian apples are grown commercially in five provinces and have a farm gate value of $265 million. Our growers produce high-quality fruit to supply the Canadian and global markets, with the capacity to displace U.S. imports. Furthermore, implementing tariffs would reinforce Canada’s broader efforts to address unfair trade practices. While we acknowledge the current 30-day pause, we want to formally state our position that apples must be included should retaliatory action be required.

A tariff on apples would have a significant economic and political impact in the United States. While the majority of American apples are grown in just six states, apples are produced commercially in at least 30 states, making an apple tariff more noticeable than many others. The top-producing states—Washington, New York, Michigan, and Pennsylvania—play a key role in U.S. politics. Additionally, 53 per cent of all U.S. apple exports are shipped to Canada and Mexico. Thus, retaliatory tariffs on apples could

create strong pressure to push for the removal of U.S. tariffs on Canada to protect their industry.”

Source: BC Fruit Growers’ Association February 14, 2025 newsletter