SUMA Joins APAS in Urgent Call for Government Action on Tariffs

SUMA Joins APAS in Urgent Call for Government Action as China's Tariffs Threaten Saskatchewan's Economy

REGINA – The Saskatchewan farming community is grappling with significant challenges following China's imposition of a steep 75.8 percent tariff on Canadian canola seed, compounded by a 100% tariff on canola meal and oil introduced earlier in March 2025. These measures have escalated market uncertainties and intensified concerns over the future of trade relations between Canada and China.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) is scrutinizing the underlying motives and highlighting the critical economic role of the canola industry in Canada's economy.

Bill Prybylski, President of APAS, expressed his concerns, stating, "The canola industry is pivotal. It generates over $43 billion in economic activity and sustains over 200,000 jobs across rural and urban areas of Canada. It is critical for the government to ensure fair global market access to uphold the livelihoods of our farmers and their communities."

The newly imposed tariffs on Canadian canola and China's anti-dumping probe into Canadian pea starch represent a substantial blow to Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector. Peas are another major export crop for Saskatchewan, and any tariffs or trade restrictions further compound the financial strain on farmers already grappling with declining market access and unpredictable pricing.

Prybylski emphasizes the wider ramifications: "These tariffs on canola and peas not only hit farmers in the pocketbook but threaten the stability and health of Saskatchewan’s agriculture sector as a whole. When key exports like peas and canola are restricted, it’s our rural and urban economies that bear the brunt. The government must step up now to secure access to these critical markets before the damage becomes long-lasting."

Joining APAS, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) calls for immediate government action. Randy Goulden, President of SUMA, remarked, "Agriculture, and agricultural processing, are vital for the well-being of both communities in Saskatchewan. They create jobs and generate significant economic benefits for our cities, and towns, villages, and northern communities. SUMA is united with APAS in demanding government action on the tariffs and a commitment to expanding global trade opportunities. A flourishing agricultural sector leads to a prosperous Saskatchewan for everyone."

August 26 marks the one-year anniversary of the federal government’s imposition of a 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs). With the review of these measures due by October 1, 2025, the broader trade context becomes even more relevant.

Prybylski connects the ongoing trade issues to broader economic policies, "As we face these questionable tariffs from China, we must remember the interconnected nature of global trade. The upcoming review of the EV tariffs exemplifies 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," concluded Prybylski.

As the review deadline approaches, Saskatchewan’s agricultural sector is watching closely, acutely aware of the potential repercussions of trade policies impact the future of farming, rural and urban communities, and the broader Canadian economy.