The National Potato Council (NPC) says its Executive Committee unanimously approved a resolution on December 19, 2025, requesting the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to launch a fact-finding investigation into Canadian trade practices related to potatoes.

In its statement, NPC said it will seek a Section 332 investigation to establish “a verified set of facts” about the U.S. – Canada potato trading relationship, framing the move as aligned with the organization’s mission of supporting U.S. potato growers.

What NPC says is driving the request

NPC’s release points to what it describes as escalating concerns on two fronts:

• British Columbia’s efforts to limit U.S. potato exports to that province: NPC says British Columbia has imposed a longstanding measure affecting U.S. potato exports – primarily from Washington State – “for more than 40 years.” NPC adds that Canadian authorities “recently significantly enhanced this measure,” and that the resulting trade-distorting changes have led to “millions of dollars” in reported losses for U.S. growers.
• Broader concerns about Canadian policies that may distort trade: NPC says producers in North Dakota, Minnesota, and Michigan have raised concerns about Canadian competition. While the release notes exchange rates and freight advantages currently favor Canada, it adds that growers have expressed concerns that government subsidies may be artificially lowering Canadian production costs.

NPC highlights provincial enforcement as a core issue

NPC also contrasts Canada’s approach with the U.S. system, stating that while only the federal government enforces trade policy in the United States, Canadian law permits individual provinces to bring and enforce measures affecting trade.

NPC argues that British Columbia’s provincial measure raises questions about compliance with the spirit of the U.S. – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA), noting that the agreement has previously encouraged negotiations that produced benefits to agriculture.

What NPC says happens next

NPC says it will now officially request a Section 332 fact-finding investigation. The release states that if USTR approves the request, the inquiry would gather objective data regarding Canadian trade practices surrounding potatoes.

Source: National Potato Council (NPC). Original release here