U.S. considering a levy on each Christmas tree sold, including those imported from Canada

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is considering placing a levy on each Christmas trees sold in the United States, whether they were grown in the U.S. or whether they were imported.

The levy would be collected and would be used to promote the sale of real trees over artificial ones. The promotions would likely be seen on TV ads, billboards and other promotional campaigns in the U.S.

The levy is supported by the Canadian Christmas Tree Growers Association, including the Christmas Tree Council of Nova Scotia, and similar organizations in the U.S.

The size of the levy has not been determined, but the USDA is proposing 15 cents per tree. Canadian exporters want to pay 15 cents per bale of trees.

In exchange for charging the levy on Canadian grown trees, Canada would be granted a seat on the board.

The USDA is expected to make a final decision on the levy this spring.

Source:
Canadian Christmas trees face U.S. levy – Fund would promote sale of real trees in U.S. (CBC)