Quebec’s strategic maple syrup reserve has been depleted amid rising demand, raising concerns that producers could lose customers if poor weather reduces future harvests.
Luc Goulet, president of Quebec Maple Syrup Producers, says government support is needed to help the industry increase production and take advantage of growing international demand.
The reserve was established to stabilize supply and prices because maple syrup production depends on weather conditions. However, U.S. buyers stocked up last year amid fears of tariffs threatened by U.S. President Donald Trump, further straining supplies.
“Our strategic reserve has been reduced to zero,” Goulet said, warning that shortages could push consumers toward alternative sweeteners.
Quebec’s maple syrup exports grew by 9.34 per cent in 2024 and 15.8 per cent in 2025. Exports increased by 2.48 per cent from January to August 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to Maple Industry Council President Louis Turenne.
Nearly 65 per cent of Quebec’s maple syrup exports go to the United States. Turenne says the industry must expand into European, Australian and Asian markets to reduce its reliance on the U.S.
Quebec accounts for more than 70 per cent of North American maple syrup production. The industry contributed $1.21 billion to Canada’s gross domestic product in 2025, supported more than 10,000 full-time-equivalent jobs and generated $285 million in tax revenue, according to an industry report.
Goulet says Quebec has significant potential to increase production but believes provincial investment is insufficient. He hopes the newly elected Parti Québécois government will provide more support.
He also stressed the industry’s importance to rural communities, saying some villages depend heavily on maple syrup production for their economic survival.
