As the maple syrup season progresses in Somerset County, local producers said there could be potential impacts from ongoing tariff disputes. While weather conditions are a perennial factor in maple production, new tariffs on Canadian exports could drive up syrup prices.
Canada, which produces over 70% of the world’s pure maple syrup, exported more syrup to the United States in 2023 approximately 6.7 million gallons than was produced domestically (approximately 4.2 million gallons) according to reports.
“They control the price and the market, so I mean it’s very possible as that changes it’ll affect your larger production and what is sold through your retail box store.”
Despite these concerns, Lynch believes local supply and demand will not significantly impact prices for Somerset County producers, ensuring enough syrup for local needs.
However, Jason Blocher, owner of Milroy Farms, warned that the tariff war could have broader implications.
“The tariffs will affect us more in equipment because all of the manufacturers of the sugar equipment are based out of Canada, They have U.S. facilities too but if they get into this tariff war and so on, yeah, our equipment costs are going to escalate because of it. And then we can absorb part of it but then we get to a point you’re going to have to pass it on to the consumer to stay in business.”
Despite a late start to the season, production has recently surged.
“Last week was one of our best weeks we’ve ever had in one production week, Probably record days for making syrup.”
However, warmer weather expected next week could pose challenges. Lynch said he believes the warmup could end the maple season, but Blocher is more optimistic.
“It will hurt our season, I don’t think it will end our season, If it stays warm like that for two weeks that might bring it to an end.”
Local producers are hopeful for an average year of production, though they anticipate finishing slightly below that mark unless they can get multiple more weeks of production.