Alberta beef producers bracing for impact of potential Trump tariffs

As most Canadian leaders unite to push back on Trump's tariff talk, Alberta's premier hints at her own tactics.

As Canadian leaders work together to push back against president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats, members of Alberta’s agriculture industry are bracing for the possible impacts.

Trump has said sweeping 25 per cent tariffs on all Canadian goods could be implemented as early as Monday, following his inauguration.

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The discussion surrounding the impact of the potential tariffs in Alberta has largely focused on the energy industry, which makes up the vast majority of Canada and Alberta’s exports to the U.S., but the agriculture sector is also concerned about the effects.

“We’re very anxious, it’s going to hit the feed cattle industry very hard because the U.S. and Canada border is very fluid. We rely on each other,” said Janice Tranberg, the president and CEO of the Alberta and Canada Cattle Feeders Association.

The United States is the largest international buyer of Alberta beef, and the threat of looming tariffs has southern Alberta ranchers and cattle producers concerned.

“We ship live cattle south into the United States every week, and it’s a significant part of our business. About a third of our business is going south,” said Leighton Kolk, CEO of Kolk Farms, which operates north of Lethbridge.

Tariffs could have a long-term effect even if they are later removed.

Fewer customers, even temporarily, in the United States could lead to a cattle backlog and scaled-back production, eventually resulting in higher beef prices.

“If we start to see cattle numbers decline, then, you know, the supply of beef further tightens up. And you know that that obviously eventually could lead to higher prices,” said Dennis Laycraft, executive vice president of the Canadian Cattle Association.

Canada’s agricultural exports to America bring in more than 40 billion dollars per year.

According to the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, demand for Canadian beef cattle and exports has grown significantly over the past 10 years.

In 2024, Canada exported $7 billion in beef products in total, including $6 billion to the U.S.

Premier criticized for tariff response

Despite Canada’s prime minister and nine other premiers touting a “Team Canada” approach toward battling the tariffs, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is standing on her own.

“Our government is not going to sell out Albertans to another Trudeau export tax on energy,” Smith said in a social media post Thursday.

Some are questioning her choice to stand solo instead of presenting a unified front.

“I understand what the premier is saying. So you may be feeling that way, but keep your cards close to your chest and play them at a time when it makes sense,” said Deborah Yedlin with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce.

“The threat is actually coming from Donald Trump, and it appears as though Danielle Smith has not quite noticed that,” said former Alberta premier and new Canada-U.S. relations council member Rachel Notley.