The Canadian Wool Council met in Calgary on Wednesday as producers faced U.S. tariffs on wool products and looked for other markets. Alberta produces most of Canada’s fine wool, and much of it had traditionally gone to the United States for processing or resale.

“ It has made it much more difficult, particularly in Alberta, which is the producer of most of Canada’s fine wool,” said Matthew Rowe, chairman of the Canadian Wool Council. Rowe said, “A lot of that traditionally went to United States for either processing or further sale, and now that market has been cut off to them.”

Producers are now looking to European markets, where wool is used in upholstery, rugs and carpets. Earlier Wednesday, the federal government announced up to $160,000 over two years to strengthen the competitiveness of Canadian wool at home and internationally. Rowe said the funding announcement will go a long way toward strengthening the market for producers and consumers.

Based on reporting by CTV News Calgary.