Quebec businesses brace for impact
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Quebec businesses are facing uncertainty as new possible tariffs imposed by the U.S. threaten cross-border trade. With industries from Christmas tree farming to granite production bracing for potential economic shocks, local business owners are strategizing on how to navigate the shifting trade landscape.
Christmas tree growers fear major losses
Jimmy Downey, owner of Downey Tree Farm and Nursery in Hatley and a board member of the Quebec Association of Christmas Tree Producers, emphasized the stakes for the industry. “Quebec exports nearly two million trees to the U.S. each year,” he said. “For producers, a 25 per cent tariff is a major hit.”
Downey, whose nursery sends between 40-50 per cent of its transplants south, explained that price hikes could drive customers toward artificial trees. “We’re already at a breaking point where consumers hesitate to pay for a natural tree when an artificial one is just a few dollars more,” he said. If prices climb, many customers may switch permanently. “Once they go artificial, we lose them for years.”
The industry is exploring alternative markets in Mexico, Aruba, and Central America, but Downey stressed the challenge of finding new buyers quickly. “It takes 10 to 15 years to grow a Christmas tree. American buyers can’t just replace our supply overnight. For the next 15 years, someone will have to absorb that 25 per cent.”
Adding to the pressure, Quebec has historically been a Christmas tree powerhouse due to its cold climate, which naturally preserves trees for longer periods and eliminates pests. “Our trees are fresh and pest-free when shipped, unlike those from warmer regions where pests can survive transport,” Downey said.
Downey also highlighted the impact on seasonal workers who depend on the Christmas tree industry. “If exports drop, that means fewer jobs for the people who cut, bundle, and ship the trees. The ripple effect could be massive for small towns that rely on this seasonal employment.”
