Canadian mushroom growers warn U.S. duties could threaten jobs, raise food costs

Canadian mushroom growers are warning that new U.S. trade duties on fresh mushroom imports could drive up food prices and threaten jobs on both sides of the border. In September 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce launched anti-dumping and countervailing duty investigations into Canadian mushroom exports following a petition from a group of American producers, according to Mushrooms Canada executive vice-president Ryan Koeslag. Koeslag said the Canadian industry has spent decades investing in technology and production practices, helping expand exports into the United States. The U.S. has since imposed preliminary duties on fresh Canadian mushrooms, citing general farm tax exemptions and cash-basis accounting practices as reasons for the countervailing measures.