New Trump Tariffs on Imported Honey: What Beekeepers and Honey Retailers Need to Know

Big news for the honey industry—Trump’s new tariffs on imported honey are shaking things up, and if you're a beekeeper, honey retailer, or just a fan of the sweet stuff, you'll want to pay attention. On February 1, 2025, former President Donald Trump announced fresh tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, aiming to tackle economic and national security concerns. The big takeaway? Canadian honey now faces a 25% tariff, while imports from China are getting hit with a 10% tariff.

What Does This Mean for Honey Prices?

Long story short—imported honey is about to get pricier. Canada has been one of the biggest honey suppliers to the U.S., so with a 25% tariff, we’re looking at potential price hikes and supply chain snags. If you rely on imported honey, you might see higher costs at the store.
And it doesn’t stop there—Canada is firing back with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. honey, starting February 4, 2025. That’s bad news for American honey producers who sell to Canada since their products will now be more expensive for Canadian buyers.

How Will This Affect Beekeepers and Honey Sellers?

Here’s the deal:

  1. Imported honey will cost more – Canadian honey will now have that extra 25% price tag, meaning retailers might have to adjust prices.

  2. Local honey might see a boost – With imports becoming less competitive, U.S. honey producers could benefit.

  3. Possible honey shortages – If stores struggle to get Canadian honey at a good price, expect supply hiccups.

  4. Retailers have decisions to make – Supermarkets and honey shops will need to figure out whether to eat the cost or pass it on to consumers.

How Is This Different from the 2022 Honey Tariffs?

You might remember the 2022 antidumping duties that targeted honey imports from Argentina, Brazil, India, and Vietnam. Those were about stopping unfair pricing, but these 2025 tariffs are more about broader trade policies.

What Can You Do?

  • Buy local honey! Supporting small beekeepers means fresher honey and helps keep money in local communities.

  • Look for alternative sources. Retailers might start sourcing honey from other countries or focusing more on domestic suppliers.

  • Stay informed. Trade policies shift all the time, so keeping up with changes can help you make better buying (or business) decisions.

Final Thoughts

So, what’s the bottom line? The new Trump tariffs on honey will make imported honey more expensive, but it could also give local beekeepers a well-deserved boost. If you’re in the honey business, now’s the time to rethink your strategy. And if you’re just someone who loves honey in their tea, you might want to stock up before prices go up!

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