Birds Have No Borders: How Tariffs Impact Our Industry

WBFI is actively monitoring the implications of tariffs and a looming international trade war. Members and consumers should be prepared to see increased costs for ingredients essential to bird food products and feeder/accessory products in light of recent tariff announcements. This will create a unique set of challenges for industry businesses and bird enthusiasts alike.

“WBFI is prepared to support our industry and advocate for what is best for member businesses, hobbyists, and our beloved birds,” said Emma Bennett, WBFI’s Executive Director.

“I encourage anyone apart of industry to fully engage with WBFI during this time and understand that you are not alone with any concerns or worries. We are stronger together, and collectively, we will get through any challenge that comes our way.”

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The Fallout on Agriculture and Bird Feed Ingredients

The latest round of tariffs, set to begin in March 2025, will impact a wide range of agricultural products. Although President Trump did not provide specific details on which products would be targeted, USDA data shows that fruits, vegetables, and nuts account for roughly half of agricultural imports into the U.S.

The upcoming tariffs set to hit Canada and Mexico are expected to result in a 25% tax on agricultural imports from both countries. This means that products like grains, seeds, and various types of bird feed ingredients could see significant price increases. Bird food distributors & packers rely on a variety of ingredients—such as sunflower seeds, corn, and various grains—either directly or indirectly for their products.

The bird feed industry, like other agricultural sectors, is deeply entwined in global trade, and when that trade is disrupted, the impacts are felt far and wide.

Why Birds Will Feel the Strain

While the tariffs are intended to protect U.S. farmers, the reality is that businesses and consumers will likely bear the brunt of these higher costs. Increased tariffs on these goods will lead to higher costs for bird feed producers, and this cost will almost certainly be passed down to consumers.

U.S. consumers could soon see higher prices on everyday bird feed products, as well as a potential decline in product availability if manufacturers struggle to secure the necessary ingredients.

For bird enthusiasts, this could mean paying more for bird seed and other feeding products. Wild birds - who rely on feeders for food especially in the winter - are unlikely to understand the geopolitical tensions, but they will certainly feel the effects of reduced food options.

Higher bird feed prices could drive many consumers to reconsider their standard purchases or scale back on how much they spend on bird feeding regularly.

The Bigger Picture: The Trade War’s Impact on Consumers

For consumers, agricultural tariffs have raised concerns about rising food prices and the availability of key ingredients. While these tariffs are intended to protect national industries, especially farmers, the reality is that they are pushing the costs of goods higher, hurting everyday consumers who are already struggling with current inflation pricing.

For consumers who feed wild birds: higher prices, fewer options, and the potential for lower quality products (check WBFI. WBFI ensures that members. The higher cost of bird feed could discourage people from maintaining their bird-feeding habits, which could impact wild bird populations that rely on these feeders for sustenance, especially during the colder months when natural food is scarce.

Mixed Support from Farmers: Short-Term Pain, Long-Term Gain?

Support for agricultural tariffs is divided within the farming community. Some farmers see these trade disruptions as a necessary strategy to push for fairer trade deals and to protect American industries from unfair competition. They believe that the temporary pain of higher tariffs will lead to more favorable terms and increased market opportunities for U.S. farmers in the long run.

However, many farmers are concerned about the short-term impacts on their businesses. In 2018, President Trump directed the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to develop a relief strategy aimed at minimizing the harm caused by tariffs. This strategy was designed to help farmers through the trade disruptions while working on new trade agreements that could make U.S. agriculture more competitive globally.

A 2019 study from Iowa State University found that farmers generally viewed Trump’s trade war as a "short-term pain, long-term gain" scenario. About 54% of farmers surveyed expressed optimism about future growth despite the immediate disruptions. Yet, not all farmers share this sentiment, and for those whose livelihoods depend on exports, the tariffs are seen as a blow to their already fragile bottom lines.

Canada’s Tariffs in Response to U.S. Measures

In response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, Canada is imposing its own set of countermeasures. On February 1, 2025, the U.S. announced it would impose 10 percent tariffs on energy imports from Canada and 25 percent tariffs on all other imports from Canada, effective February 4, 2025. This move has since been delayed until March 4, 2025.

In retaliation, Canada will impose reciprocal tariffs of 25 percent on C$30 billion worth of goods from the U.S. starting March 4, 2025. In addition, Canada has issued a notice of intent for a second round of tariffs, seeking input on imposing tariffs on $125 billion worth of U.S. goods, which could further escalate trade tensions between the two countries.

While the intent behind these tariffs is to encourage the U.S. to remove its tariffs on Canadian goods, the impact on industries reliant on cross-border trade could be significant. For the bird feed industry, this means that essential ingredients like sunflower seeds, corn, and other grains may see increased costs, further straining businesses that rely on affordable imports.

Looking Ahead: What Can We Do?

As the trade war ensues, tariffs on agricultural products will likely remain in place for now. Whether the long-term gain of these tariffs will ultimately benefit U.S. farmers remains to be seen, but in the short term, those who care for birds will feel the strain of these economic policies.

Ultimately, birds don’t recognize borders. They rely on a stable, interconnected system of trade that ensures their food supply remains abundant. The challenges brought on by tariffs may seem necessary for certain political and economic goals, but they come with unintended consequences for consumers and the wildlife we care for.