The effects of any kind of tariffs from the United States on Canada's lobster industry could depend on timing, but officials say just the threat is further proof of the need to keep diversifying markets.

Even before being sworn in, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs of up to 25 per cent on Canadian products. As of Monday, Trump had not acted on the threat and reports indicated his team could take time to first study the idea.

But Geoff Irvine, executive director of the Lobst…