President Trump announces new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China 

As of March 4, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump has announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. A 25 percent tariff will be applied to most goods imported from Canada and Mexico. Initially set for February 4, 2025, these tariffs were postponed to March 4 following negotiations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum. 

In a post on Truth Social, President Trump stated that the new tariffs on agricultural products will take effect on April 2. He encouraged American farmers to increase production to meet domestic demand. 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded with retaliatory tariffs on $30 billion worth of U.S. goods.  

The Canadian beef industry is expected to face significant challenges due to the 25 percent tariffs on beef exports to the U.S. As the U.S. is a major market for Canadian beef, these tariffs are likely to reduce demand and lower prices for Canadian beef producers, potentially leading to financial strain. The Canadian government and industry groups are exploring alternative markets and strategies to mitigate the impact. 

If the U.S. doesn’t lift the tariffs on Canadian goods, the federal government plans to implement a 25 per cent tariff on another $125 billion worth of goods imported from the U.S. 

Canada’s retaliatory tariffs, set to take effect in late March, will affect a wide range of U.S. goods, including fertilizers, ethanol, biodiesel, beef, pork, live cattle, beef, and various agricultural equipment. This move highlights the interconnected nature of the agricultural sectors in both countries. 

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, emphasized the importance of maintaining open borders with the U.S. “The importance of keeping an open border with the U.S. is an issue that literally keeps me up every single night,” he said at the Alberta Beef Producers’ AGM on Tuesday afternoon. Sigurdson highlighted the negative impacts of tariffs on both Canadian and U.S. agriculture, advocating for free trade as essential for food security and affordability. 

Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith is set to provide further details on Alberta’s response to the U.S. tariffs in a public announcement on March 5. 

The situation is rapidly evolving, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.