Nova Scotia

Here are the items on N.S. grocery store shelves most impacted by tariffs

Sobeys says it is ramping up its sourcing of Canadian products to offer alternatives to American goods subject to tariffs.

Shampoo, coffee, ice cream are on the list, while diapers, infant formula and pharmaceuticals are not

A view of produce on grocery store shelves, with bags of oranges in the foreground, and bags of lettuce further along the aisle.
Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus are set to be subject to a tariff when imported into Canada from the U.S. (Bryan Eneas/CBC)

The Canadian government announced over the weekend it will impose tariffs on a roster of American imported goods starting Feb. 4. 

The move comes in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of his plan to place a 25 per cent tariff on virtually all Canadian goods coming into the United States, and a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian oil and gas and other energy, including hydroelectricity.

Canada plans to slap 25 per cent tariffs on $30 billion worth of American imports. The tariffs will then be applied to another $125 billion worth of American imports at the end of February, following a consultation period. 

The complete list of U.S. imports that will be subject to a Canadian retaliatory tariff includes a variety of consumer goods such as appliances, furniture, motorcycles, books and clothing. 

It also includes a number of common items on grocery store shelves, ranging from frozen strawberries to toilet paper to peanut butter.  

There are some notable exceptions. Products like infant formula, diapers, medical supplies and pharmaceuticals are not subject to tariffs when imported from the U.S.

The impact of the tariff will vary depending on the grocery item — the vast majority of chicken, eggs and milk consumed in Nova Scotia is Canadian and not imported from the U.S. However, a significant amount of the frozen fruit Nova Scotians eat is imported.

In a statement to CBC News, Sobeys said it is working to accelerate its sourcing of Canadian products as alternatives to products on the tariff list.

"We will be using all of our communication channels, including in-store, to clearly identify Canadian products and give them greater prominence," said spokeswoman Sarah Dawson. 

Here's a look at how much of some common grocery items are produced and consumed in the province:

Grocery items included on Canada's list of products subject to the tariff (the complete list is here): 

  • Poultry.
  • Eggs.
  • Milk and cream.
  • Butter and margarine.
  • Yogurt.
  • Cheese.
  • Ice cream.
  • Various spices and seasonings, including vanilla, pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, ginger, cumin and others.
  • Tomatoes.
  • Cucumbers.
  • Oranges, lemons, limes and other citrus.
  • Melons.
  • Berries, including raspberries and blackberries.
  • Peaches.
  • Coffee and tea.
  • Grain products, including wheat, rye, barley, oats and rice.
  • Cooking oil products, including canola, palm oils and sunflower oils.
  • Shrimp and prawns.
  • Flour.
  • Sugar. 
  • Honey. 
  • Chocolate and cocoa products.
  • Pastas.
  • Prepared bakery products, including bread, pizza, pies, cakes and other pastries.
  • Orange juice.
  • Nuts and peanut butter.
  • Beans.
  • Condiments, including mustard, ketchup and other tomato sauces, mayonnaise and salad dressings.
  • Soups.
  • Bottled water, including waters containing added sugar or other sweetened or flavoured water.
  • Toiletries, including shampoos, toothpaste, deodorant and soaps.
  • Protein powder.
  • Toilet paper.

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