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ARTICLE · 22 MAY 2025

Navigating CUSMA: What Grain And Pulse Exporters Need To Know

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While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) helps Canadian exporters of grain and pulses, such as wheat, lentils and peas, maintain access to the U.S. and Mexican markets, trade tensions continue to affect the sector.

CanadaInternational Law
Scott Masson
Scott Masson
Natasha Hepp
Natasha Hepp
Stephanie Symonds-D’Arcey
Stephanie Symonds-D’Arcey
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Tariff pressures in 2025

While the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) helps Canadian exporters of grain and pulses, such as wheat, lentils and peas, maintain access to the U.S. and Mexican markets, trade tensions continue to affect the sector.

On April 2, 2025, the U.S. by Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump imposed new tariffs ranging from 10% to 25% on certain imports into the U.S. that do not qualify as "originating" under CUSMA. For exporters of grain and/or pulses to the U.S., the resulting consequences of this Executive Order are that non-CUSMA compliant exports will be subject to a 25% tariff.

For Canadian exporters, this new development highlights the importance of ensuring that exports are properly documented and qualify for preferential treatment under CUSMA. Failure to comply could result in significant additional costs and impact long-term trade and business relationships.

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