Saskatchewan leaders are urging swift federal action after China slapped steep anti-dumping duties on Canadian canola, threatening one of the province’s most important industries.
Premier Scott Moe, along with Agriculture Minister Daryl Harrison and Trade Minister Warren Kaeding, met Thursday in Saskatoon with federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald, Parliamentary Secretary Kody Blois, and industry leaders to address the escalating trade dispute.
China’s government imposed a 75.8% duty on Canadian canola seed earlier this month, in addition to existing 100% tariffs on canola oil and meal. The measures, widely viewed as retaliation for Canada’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, cut directly into Saskatchewan’s farm economy.
“The Government of Saskatchewan condemns China's punitive tariffs on canola, which directly impact Saskatchewan families,” Moe said in a statement. “This is an urgent situation for producers, and we must work together to find immediate solutions.”
Saskatchewan produces 55% of Canada’s canola and accounts for 21% of global canola oil exports. In 2024, China imported nearly $5 billion worth of Canadian canola products, more than half from Saskatchewan.
Farm groups say the fallout is already straining rural economies. “Farmers are being used as a pawn in the current geopolitical environment,” said Dean Roberts, chair of SaskOilseeds. “Market closure at this stressful time of year has a compounding adverse effect on farmers.”
In a release Friday, the Agricultural producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) noted that Aug. 26 marks the one-year anniversary of the federal government’s imposition of a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. With the review of the measure due by Oct.1, 2025, APAS President Bill Prybylski said Ottawa must remember how trade decisions in one sector can affect others, including agriculture.
"We urge the government to adopt a holistic approach to their EV review, ensuring they consider all implications and foster dialogue with international partners. For Canadian agriculture, maintaining fair access to global markets for our products remains essential amidst these broader trade discussions," Prybylski said.
