Canada’s latest counter-tariff list leaves fresh lettuce off, for now

When Canada’s updated counter-tariff list took effect Sept. 8, fresh fruits and vegetables were not on it. That leaves Yuma lettuce outside the current round of Canadian counter-tariffs, according to the official product list and Canada’s produce industry association.

The distinction matters: this is the list of targeted countermeasures now in force, not a promise that trade tensions are over or that no other costs can reach growers.

What Canada’s list covers

Canada says the new measures match U.S. Section 338 tariff rates on $27.6 billion of American products and took effect at 12:01 a.m. Sept. 8. The government describes the targeted sectors as including steel and aluminum, dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, plastics and electronics. Its official list does not include the fresh lettuce category.

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association likewise says fresh fruit and vegetable commodities are not included, while warning that some packaging materials used for produce are covered. That could affect packaging suppliers and buyers. We have not found evidence that the packaging measures have changed Yuma growers’ costs so far.

Why Yuma was watching

Canada is an important market for Arizona agriculture. AZFamily reported that the province’s federal data show about $676 million in Arizona agricultural exports to Canada, including roughly $85 million in lettuce. FOX 10 reported that Yuma supplies most U.S. leafy greens during the winter growing season.

Yuma Fresh Vegetable Association president Mike Pasquinelli told AZFamily before the Canadian list came out that a prolonged trade fight could push growers to seek other markets. Fall planting does not turn on a dime.

For now, fresh lettuce is not included in Canada’s Sept. 8 counter-tariff list. Packaging costs and future changes remain separate questions, and the current exemption does not settle them.