Manitoba honey industry buzzing as U.S. tariff clock ticks
Canadian product is being rushed to the United States ahead of a threatened 50 per cent tariff on the industry.
Canadian honey producers are rushing their product to the United States as a threat looms of a 50 per cent tariff on the industry. Manitoba, Canada's leading honey exporter, could face a "profound impact" if the tariff is implemented, according to Rod Scarlett, executive director of the Canadian Honey Council. Last year, Manitoba accounted for more than half of Canada's honey exports, totaling $28.7 million worth of product.
The United States now consumes 52.9 per cent of Canadian honey imports, valued at $28.4 million in 2025. Canadian honey has been exempt from tariffs under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement, but the new tariff could disrupt trade. Manitoba beekeepers rely heavily on honey sales, and Scarlett warns that a prolonged tariff could leave some operations in financial dire straits.
While a shorter crop this year and lower available honey may keep prices stable, beekeepers remain nervous about the market impacts.
Written by urgent.news from Winnipeg Free Press's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
