Christmas tree exporters in Nova Scotia worried about Trump tariff threat
In a field down a long dirt road in northeastern Nova Scotia, Roger Trenholm is hard at work on his family tree farm, Trenholm’s Wholesale Christmas Trees. With years of experience under his belt, Roger is pushing cut fir trees through a baling machine, ensuring they are tied tightly and ready for shipping. This has been his passion since he was just 12 years old, and he takes great pride in the quality of his trees.
Located in Caledonia Mills, Roger’s tree farm spans over 11 hectares, where he grows rows of firs that are sold to local suppliers and exported to the U.S. While the market for Christmas trees can be unpredictable at times, Roger has seen a recent surge in demand. “The demand for the trees was really good. Excellent,” Roger shared in an interview with CBC News. “Can’t get no better than the last couple of years.”
However, this positive trend could soon face a major challenge. The looming threat of a 25 per cent tariff on all goods coming from Canada and Mexico, proposed by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, has sent ripples of concern through the Christmas tree industry. Shirley Brennan, the executive director of the Canadian Christmas Trees Association, expressed her worries about the potential impact on the upcoming season. “That 25 per cent tariff would be huge for our industry,” she stated.
The 2021 Census of Agriculture revealed that there are 1,364 Christmas tree farms across Canada, with the majority of them located in Ontario, British Columbia, Quebec, and Nova Scotia. The U.S. remains the largest market for Canadian Christmas tree exports, with more than 2.4 million trees shipped there annually. The United States Department of Agriculture reported that live Christmas tree imports from Canada were valued at $68 million US in 2022.
If the proposed tariff is implemented, the repercussions could be significant for both Canadian growers and U.S. retailers who rely on Canadian trees. Economists warn that such a move could disrupt trade and potentially lead to job losses in the forestry industry. Despite the uncertainty, Roger and other industry professionals are staying focused on their work, ensuring that the quality of their trees remains top-notch.
As trucks wait to be loaded with trees bound for markets in the eastern U.S., the dedication of those in the Christmas tree industry is unwavering. Norman MacIsaac, with the Northeastern Christmas Tree Association, remains optimistic that the tariff will not come to fruition. “It would be disastrous if it happened, but I don’t think it’s going to happen,” he said. “It’s not going to benefit the U.S. and it’s not going to benefit anybody.”
In the face of uncertainty, the Christmas tree industry in Nova Scotia continues to thrive, fueled by a passion for growing and sharing the beauty of these festive trees with others.
