Courtesy of Maple Days
By Paul Post
Trump Administration tariffs, scheduled to take effect April 2, threaten to undermine New York’s thriving maple industry as most of the equipment producers need is manufactured in Canada.
In addition, much of the syrup consumed in New York City comes from Quebec, the world’s biggest maple producer, because upstate New York sugar makers can’t make enough to meet demand. If tariffs boost the price of Canada’s syrup 25 percent, American producers might charge the same, possibly generating more short-term revenue, but discouraging sales over the long run as consumers grapple with constantly rising food prices.
“That’s certainly not one of our goals,” said Mary Jean Packer, marketing manager of Mapleland Farm in Salem, Washington County.
Canadian maple equipment manufacturers are sending tractor-trailers across the border now and stockpiling it in northern Vermont warehouses, to keep from losing business from U.S. customers after tariffs take effect.
“As long as you have the equipment now you’ll be fine, but it could be hard to get into the business if suddenly the cost of equipment is 25 percent higher,” Packer said. “Maple is a relatively easy agricultural crop to get started with. To be viable all you need is 100 taps, collecting and boiling it with a small evaporator after coming home from an off-farm job. There aren’t many agricultural pursuits that you can get started with such a low cost of entry.”