Beekeepers are struggling to find alternatives to their largest export partner. In the long term, more than honey could be at stake
Honey is one of hundreds of Canadian products that have been hit with a 50 per cent tariff to enter the United States, grinding exports to a halt. More honey staying north of the border could mean lower prices for consumers in the short term.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.
But over time, the loss of Canada’s largest export market for honey could take a toll on producers — and, due to honey bees’ contribution to the pollination sector, the overall food system.
“When there’s abundance, prices may plummet, but it doesn’t mean that that will be healthy for the industry in the long term,” says Armağan Özbilge, an assistant professor in Dalhousie University’s Faculty of Management. “So we may enjoy a year of cheap honey, but we’re talking about a bigger industry issue.”
Get a dash of perspective along with the trending news of the day in a very readable format.
By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.
A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.
The next issue of NP Posted will soon be in your inbox.
We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again
Interested in more newsletters? Browse here.
According to the Alberta Beekeepers Commission, 80.2 per cent of the exported quantity of Canadian honey and 69.1 per cent of the value went to the United States between January and April 2026 alone.
