U.S. tariff on Canadian honey could lower prices for consumers

A 50 per cent U.S. tariff on Canadian honey has halted exports, potentially lowering prices for Canadian consumers in the short term as more supply stays domestic. The U.S. received 80.2 per cent of Canadian honey exports by quantity and 69.1 per cent by value from January to April 2026. Producers cannot reduce output easily, as beekeepers must maintain colonies regardless of market conditions. Prairie provinces house 63 per cent of Canada's honey bee colonies and produced 80 per cent of national honey in 2025. A short crop this year may prevent severe price drops, but long-term industry health and pollination-dependent food systems remain at risk.