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U.S. trade dispute pushes Canada to explore new trading relationships

An ag economist says Canada’s efforts to diversify its trading partners could have long-term implications for U.S. agriculture.

“It’s going to put back our relationship with Canada by several years,” he says.

Ian Sheldon with Ohio State University tells Brownfield, “Undermining each of the integrated value chains is potentially quite costly, both in terms of investment and the future of the trade agreement.”

He tells Brownfield the ongoing trade dispute could push Canada to accelerate the exploration of new opportunities.

“If people who make decisions about either going into a new market or the amount that will be exported are now faced with trying to forecast where the tariffs are going to level out,” he says. “Are they going to be removed? What’s going to happen in the courts?”

Sheldon says he’s not optimistic a resolution will be announced soon and several ag sectors will continue to face trade barriers. 

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is hosting global investors in Toronto this week to strengthen trading relationships with other countries.

AUDIO: Ian Sheldon, Ohio State University