Saskatchewan Premier Urges Swift Diplomatic Action as China Threatens Tariffs on Key Exports

In a critical press conference held on Thursday, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe addressed the imminent threat of tariffs from China and the United States, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic engagement to safeguard the province's economic interests.

Moe highlighted that the provincial government is committed to pursuing diplomatic resolutions while simultaneously exploring new international trade opportunities. “Our federal government is in the best position to engage directly with China and the United States, and we strongly encourage such actions,” he stated.

With the looming federal election, Moe stressed the need for immediate federal intervention to mitigate the potential harms of these tariffs, particularly on the Saskatchewan canola industry. “There should be decisive actions from our federal government before any election calls. We cannot allow our canola industry to languish in uncertainty during this critical time,” he urged, emphasizing that the implications of inaction could be dire for Canadian families reliant on the agriculture sector.

He painted a grim picture of the situation, warning that the markets being lost to tariff policies are incredibly hard-won and will be challenging to reclaim. “These are not just economic stats; these are livelihoods at stake,” he pointed out.

“The goal here should not be about winning or losing. It's about ensuring a free and fair trading environment with the world's largest economies—that's what all Canadians expect,” Moe asserted, outlining his priorities as Premier: to eliminate tariffs entirely, to have any existing tariffs lifted swiftly, and to promote market diversification to reduce reliance on single markets.

Earlier in the day, Moe participated in a roundtable discussion in Saskatoon with companies most likely affected by the threatened tariffs from both the U.S. and China. “Our local businesses bear the brunt of these impacts, which is why I am dedicated to advocating for Saskatchewan’s interests through calm and sensible solutions,” said Moe.

In a move that has raised alarms among Canadian farmers, China announced on March 8 its intention to impose 100% tariffs on canola oil, meal, and pea imports, along with 25% tariffs on pork and aquatic products, effective March 20. Meanwhile, the U.S. has enacted a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods and a 10% tariff specifically on Canadian energy exports.

Currently, the United States stands as Saskatchewan's largest trading partner, with trade amounting to approximately $40 billion, while China ranks as the province's second-largest trading partner, with exports valued at $3.7 billion last year. The Saskatchewan government continues to advocate for free trade, boasting exports not only to every province and territory in Canada but also to over 160 countries worldwide.

As tensions rise between these economic powerhouses, the call for an immediate and cohesive response from the federal government becomes ever more crucial. The fate of Saskatchewan's export-dependent industries hangs in the balance.