How the U.S.-Canada Trade War is Disrupting the Agriculture Industry & How RiseWithNorth Provides a Solution

April 2, 2025 | by Yukta Patel

Introduction

The ongoing trade war between Canada and the United States has placed immense pressure on multiple industries, but few have been hit as hard as agriculture. With Canada being a major exporter of agricultural goods to the U.S., newly imposed tariffs have led to rising costs, declining exports, and economic uncertainty for farmers and agribusinesses. In response to these disruptions, the need for new trade strategies and market diversification has become critical.

To navigate these challenges, businesses within the agriculture sector must look beyond traditional supply chains and explore alternative trading opportunities. This is where RiseWithNorth, Canada’s premier B2B marketplace, plays a vital role in connecting Canadian farmers and agribusinesses with local and global buyers and suppliers, ensuring the industry remains competitive despite ongoing trade tensions.

How the Trade War is Impacting Canada’s Agriculture Industry

The U.S. has been Canada’s largest agricultural trading partner, but the latest tariffs on agricultural goods, including dairy, grains, and meat exports, have created a challenging landscape for Canadian farmers and food producers. Key consequences include:

• Dairy Industry Disruptions – The U.S. imposed tariffs on Canadian dairy exports, leading to an oversupply of milk and reduced income for farmers.
• Increased Costs for Grain Farmers – Tariffs on wheat, barley, and soybeans have caused price drops and left Canadian farmers struggling to find alternative markets.
• Loss of U.S. Market Access for Meat Producers – Canadian beef and pork producers are facing increased costs and reduced demand due to new trade barriers.
• Uncertainty in Supply Chains – Tariff instability is forcing agribusinesses to seek alternative trade routes, further complicating logistics and distribution.

With agriculture contributing over $140 billion annually to Canada’s economy, these trade disruptions pose severe risks to farmers, food manufacturers, and suppliers. To stay competitive, the industry must pivot toward diversified trade partnerships and digital solutions.

How RiseWithNorth is Supporting Canada’s Agriculture Industry

The agriculture sector must adapt quickly to shifting trade policies, and RiseWithNorth offers an innovative marketplace that helps farmers, producers, and agribusinesses connect with new suppliers, buyers, and trade partners globally.

1. Expanding Market Access Beyond the U.S.

RiseWithNorth enables Canadian farmers and agribusinesses to find new buyers in global markets, reducing reliance on U.S. exports. This platform allows them to:

• Secure trade deals with Europe, Asia, and emerging markets to counteract lost U.S. sales.
• Connect directly with Canadian retailers, distributors, and food processing companies to strengthen domestic supply chains.
• Access real-time market insights to identify high-demand agricultural products internationally.

2. Cost-Efficient Sourcing for Agricultural Supplies

Tariffs have increased costs for seeds, fertilizers, and farm equipment, but RiseWithNorth provides solutions by:

• Helping farmers source competitively priced agricultural inputs from Canadian and global suppliers.
• Offering a transparent digital marketplace where agribusinesses can compare pricing and secure the best deals.
• Reducing supply chain bottlenecks by connecting producers with local and international logistics providers.

3. Strengthening Domestic Food Supply Chains

RiseWithNorth helps Canada’s agriculture sector build resilience by facilitating domestic trade opportunities, allowing businesses to:

• Sell directly to Canadian grocery chains, restaurants, and food processing companies.
• Reduce dependency on international supply chains by sourcing materials and ingredients locally.
• Foster sustainability by encouraging farm-to-table business models that keep food production and sales within Canada.

4. Providing a Secure Digital Marketplace

With increasing economic uncertainty, agribusinesses need reliable and secure trading platforms. RiseWithNorth offers:

• Verified supplier and buyer listings for trustworthy transactions.
• Seamless digital storefronts to facilitate efficient and hassle-free trade.
• AI-driven matchmaking tools to connect businesses with the right partners based on trade needs.

5. Future-Proofing Canada’s Agriculture Industry

By reducing dependence on the U.S. market and diversifying trade partners, RiseWithNorth provides a long-term strategy for Canada’s agriculture industry, ensuring farmers and agribusinesses can thrive despite ongoing trade wars.

Conclusion: A Resilient Future for Canada’s Agriculture Industry

The Canada-U.S. trade war has exposed the vulnerabilities of relying too heavily on a single trade partner. As agricultural tariffs disrupt farmers, producers, and suppliers, businesses must embrace global market expansion and digital trade solutions to stay competitive.

RiseWithNorth is more than just a marketplace—it’s a catalyst for change in Canadian agriculture. By leveraging its vast network of international suppliers and buyers, agribusinesses can secure sustainable growth and financial stability, even in times of trade uncertainty.

Now is the time to Rise With North—join today and secure your place in the future of global agriculture!