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First blueberries, now strawberries: why the U.S. cares about Canadian berries

The blueberry war may be over for now, but Canadian fruits and vegetables are still under scrutiny as American producers test the new NAFTA rules and lobby for increased protections. With so many imports coming from Mexico and Central America, we find out why Canadian growers getting pulled into the fray.

Insiders say the U.S. trade investigation is the result of 2020 American politics and shoulder season imports

CBC Radio ·
Baskets of strawberries sit on a table with blueberries in the background.
The United States International Trade Commission is currently monitoring imports of Canadian strawberries following complaints from producers in the southeastern states. The investigation comes on the heels of a similar investigation into Canadian blueberries. (David Donnelly/CBC)
Cost of Living5:02First blueberries, now strawberries: why the U.S. cares about Canadian berries

More Canadian fruits and vegetables are under scrutiny, according to the United States International Trade Commission [USITC].

Following an extensive investigation into Canadian blueberries, the USITC is now monitoring strawberries and bell peppers.

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Canadian producers point to 2020 American politics as the source for the original complaints.

Some fruit and vegetable growers in the southeastern United States have been asking for tariffs on imports for years — ever since the new NAFTA negotiations began.

But is there more going on here? With so many imports coming from Mexico and Central America, we find out why Canadian growers are getting pulled into the fray. 

Click "listen" at the top of the page to hear this segment, or download the Cost of Living podcast.

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