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Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola and related products have created an unstable and uncertain situation for the province’s producers and agri-food industries. With that in mind, Premier Scott Moe is embarking on a trade mission to China and Japan in September, and he’s invited Prime Minister Mark Carney and other federal ministers to get on board.
A release from the province states that it’s the first time a Canadian Premier has conducted a trade mission in six years. The idea is to shore up partnerships in China and Japan around trade and innovation.
"Saskatchewan has expressed urgency to the federal government and been clear that we need to see action now to support the over 200,000 people across Canada's canola industry," Moe said in the statement. "That's why we are leading through this mission, reinforcing future trade opportunities and engaging with China on these temporary duties before it's too late."
At the same time, a mission to South Korea is being mounted by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding who will later join the Premier in Japan. South Korea is poised to further engage with the province when it comes to energy and agriculture trade and cooperation.
"As we continue to diversify our export markets, we see a lot of opportunity in both Japan and South Korea," Kaeding said. "Our government is working hard to navigate ongoing trade challenges, and our international trade and investment offices are the vital resource that will guide us through. We are committed to missions such as these because they bring back real results to the citizens of our province."
The ministry reports that in 2024, Saskatchewan's exports to Asia exceeded $10 billion. Exports to China totaled $4.4 billion, while South Korea and Japan combined are $162 million and $929 million respectively.
Moe’s government continues to work in support of canola production and processing with an announcement for funding of up to 50 per cent of the cost for road improvements to Grain Millers Drive near Yorkton to support the area's canola producers and processors. The Premier also met with canola sector leaders in Saskatoon to discuss Canada's response to Chinese tariffs.
The China and Japan mission will run from September 6 to 12, 2025. The South Korea mission will run from September 6 to 9, 2025.