Canada’s trade tribunal has recommended import quotas on canned vegetables after finding that rising imports, largely from the US, have caused financial strain for domestic growers and food processors. The tribunal said total canned vegetable imports rose 28% in 2025 from the previous year, with US shipments accounting for a substantial share of the increase.
The ruling comes as trade tensions between Canada and the US remain elevated, raising the prospect of another dispute over agricultural imports.
Canadian processors have said rising input costs are adding to the pressure. They import most of their empty cans from the US and have faced higher costs linked to 50% US tariffs on steel and aluminum. The government had already imposed a 10% tariff on imported canned vegetables in June, although some products from the US, Mexico, Israel and Chile were exempted.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said officials will review the tribunal’s recommendation and decide on next steps. The existing tariff will remain in place while the government reviews the ruling.
