Saskatchewan’s export sector is facing new pressures after China imposed steep tariffs on Canadian canola products, prompting the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) to step up advocacy and market development efforts.
Incoming STEP CEO Chris Lane said Friday that the combination of a new 75 per cent tariff on canola seed and an existing 100 per cent tariff on canola oil and meal has effectively shut Saskatchewan producers out of one of their key international markets.
“We are deeply concerned about the impact that could have on our members and the industry as a whole, not to mention producers who are starting harvest,” Lane said.
The organization warned that the effects extend beyond exporters, with transportation, logistics, agri-technology and value-added sectors already reporting strain from storage bottlenecks, contract uncertainty and weakening market confidence.
Lane welcomed recent efforts by the provincial government, including a meeting with Ottawa and Premier Scott Moe’s planned trade mission to China, but said more work is needed to safeguard Saskatchewan’s export-driven economy.
“Saskatchewan’s economy runs on exports,” Lane said. “The work to keep global markets open and diversified for our products requires constant effort at all levels.”
STEP is moving ahead with two major initiatives aimed at bolstering market access. In early September, the Asia Trade Conference will bring dozens of buyers and industry leaders to Saskatchewan to highlight local companies and products. In November, a high-level STEP delegation will attend the China International Import Expo in Shanghai to advocate for market access and promote the province’s agri-food advantages.
Between 2020 and 2024, Saskatchewan exported $35.7 billion worth of canola products worldwide, including $16.3 billion in seed, $14.5 billion in oil and $4.9 billion in meal.
STEP said it remains committed to supporting its members through advocacy, strategic guidance and trade missions to ensure Saskatchewan’s canola sector remains globally competitive.