Saskatchewan Premier Urges Federal Government to Address China Tariffs
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is questioning the lack of response from Ottawa regarding China’s recent tariffs on Canada. He believes that Beijing’s actions unfairly impact western provinces and criticizes the federal government for not reacting as swiftly to Chinese trade actions compared to U.S. trade actions.
“Whether you agree or disagree with the federal government’s response to U.S. trade actions, they have acted quickly, as they should,” Moe stated in a social media post on March 11.
“But when it’s industries like canola in Western Canada targeted by Chinese tariffs… silence.”
On March 8, China announced 100 percent tariffs on Canadian canola oil, oil cakes, peas, seafood, and pork, scheduled to take effect on March 20. This retaliation came after Canada imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs) and aluminum and steel products last October, accusing Beijing of flooding the global market with cheap EVs to undercut Western competitors.
Moe emphasized the significance of the canola industry to Western Canada, especially the prairie provinces where thousands of jobs depend on it. Saskatchewan is the largest producer of canola in Canada, followed by Alberta and Manitoba. Nearly 40,000 farmers across the country grow canola, according to the Canola Council of Canada.
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Canada depends heavily on the Chinese market for canola products, with exports valued at nearly $5 billion last year, making China the second largest market after the United States.
Canadian canola products are currently exempt from 25 percent U.S. tariffs under the USMCA, but potential tariffs may be imposed on April 2. The recent Chinese tariffs further stress Canadian canola farmers just before the planting season.
China’s tariffs are expected to severely impact canola oil and meal exports to China, prompting calls for action from the federal government by industry organizations.
Ottawa has condemned China’s tariffs as unjustified and pledged support for affected farmers and fishers, but specific measures are yet to be detailed.
