Other sectors are also struggling. Today, there is a great deal of talk about customs duties, among other things, but I could also mention Quebec beef producers, who recently contacted me to welcome the decision to raise the ceilings for the Advance Payment Program. However, as it's repeated every year, they said they too could benefit from the program since the price of beef has risen significantly. In addition, financial institutions are not currently willing to finance livestock restocking. A calf that cost $400 to $500 last year costs around $1,500 this year, which makes restocking difficult. If financial institutions do not help them, we will have even less production, whereas Quebec does not currently produce enough beef for consumption.
I am informing you of the situation so that you can discuss it further. Other sectors would need a permanent increase of this amount so that producers do not have to ask for help again nor wait for an international crisis to see it increased. I know that you cannot make a decision because you are civil servants, but I would still like to convey this message to you. Should the topic arise in discussions, you could seize the opportunity. It's just a suggestion.
The United States has set tariffs of 25% on everything. How much of our agricultural and agri-food exports are affected by these tariffs? I am very concerned about the agri-food sector. Why were the countermeasures in response to the tariffs withdrawn? Producers are still greatly affected by the tariffs because many inputs come from the United States.
How much of the sector is affected by the tariffs right now? Do you have any numbers? We'll need a brief answer to that question.