Granby, March 5, 2025 – With the imposition of trade tariffs on exports to the United States, the Maple Industry Council (MIC) is calling on government support to maintain our market share, preserve our regional economies, and diversify export markets over the long term.
“We’re working to establish a prosperous and durable industry that markets a product known for its quality and that contributes to the renown of Québec’s knowhow. To achieve this, we need to be able to count on well-established, agile and durable companies,” says the President of the MIC, Louis Turenne.
“To offset the effects of trade tariffs and ensure the sustainability of our businesses, the industry is asking that the sums raised through counter-tariffs be reinjected into promotion in order to maintain our market share. The annual cost that CIM companies will have to spend to continue to export maple products to the United States over the next year is estimated at $115 million,” adds Mr. Turenne.
Maintaining our market share
CIM companies are a vital link in the production and distribution of maple products in the United States. In 2024, this market represented 65% of export volume, or $462 million. The 25% trade tariffs represent an additional cost of $115 million for Québec companies that bottle, process and market maple products. It is important for governments to inject funds to support promotion so that we can maintain our market share in the United States.
Diversifying markets over the long term
In 2023, the apparent consumption of maple syrup in the United States was 136 million pounds, with Québec supplying 94 million pounds of this volume. There are alternative markets, but none that can absorb the volume currently exported to the United States. In 2024, Québec companies also exported to Germany (7%), the United Kingdom (5%), France (4%), Japan (4%) and Australia (4%). Québec and Canada already hold almost all the market shares in these countries.
Market development and diversification are long-term initiatives, and it takes decades to develop consumer habits. A significant budget increase to promote these markets will support the Québec industry in its market diversification efforts to increase consumption and the popularity of maple products around the world.
“The imposition of trade tariffs puts a brake on the industry’s activities and healthy development. Government support is crucial to continue exporting our products to the United States and around the world while contributing to the vitality of our regions. This represents close to 13,000 production and processing jobs,” says Mr. Turenne.
“We must do everything we can to maintain our position as a world leader in the production and marketing of maple products. Maple syrup is a source of pride for us, a national symbol that has established the renown of Québec and Canada, here and around the world. Let’s continue to be proud of this and support the initiatives and efforts of our Québec maple industry,” says the President of the Maple Industry Council.
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Information: info@cie-mic.com