The world’s biggest producer of maple syrup has nearly exhausted its strategic reserves after Americans hoarded supplies ahead of Trump’s tariffs

Canada is the world's leading producer of maple syrup, with the majority of it coming from Quebec. The Quebec Maple Syrup Producers oversees the strategic syrup reserve, which is expected to be completely depleted by February. While production will continue, the reserve cannot help stabilize output, which is heavily dependent on weather conditions and can be volatile. The reserve comprises three warehouses in Quebec, capable of holding around 218,000 barrels.

Canadian maple syrup demand has surged in recent years as producers expanded into new markets beyond the U.S. About 65% of Canada's syrup exports go to the U.S., down from 80% two decades ago. Last year, demand increased significantly after President Donald Trump initiated his global trade war. Americans rushed to buy up Canadian syrup supplies ahead of anticipated tariffs, resulting in a 16% increase in total syrup exports last year, up from 9% growth in 2024.

However, exports through the first eight months of 2026 slowed to just 2.5% annually, while production fell by 5% last year, according to Canada's statistics agency.

Despite this, Canada remains the dominant player in maple syrup production, accounting for over 75% of global production in 2025, with 90% of its output coming from Quebec. Simon Doré-Ouellet, deputy general manager at the Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, told the Toronto Star that the market's supply of syrup is secure for the coming year.

However, he added that the strategic reserve will need replenishment over the next few years. A good production year in 2027 would be beneficial, though Quebec has limited control over that.

Quebec has increased its production capacity by 50% over the past six years, adding over 21 million new taps for collecting maple sap from trees. This expansion could prove crucial if unfavorable weather disrupts the production season.