The most recent set of U.S. tariffs will effectively halt the flow of honey from Canada into the United States, as stated by the president of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Simon Lalonde. Lalonde expressed concern over the 50 percent tariff imposed on $28 billion worth of goods, including honey, which came into force on Friday, deeming it an excessively high cost.
According to Lalonde, Canadian beekeepers cannot absorb such a significant increase in tariffs, and it is likely that most U.S. honey packers will seek honey from other countries they import into the U.S. Roughly 15 to 20 percent of Canada’s honey production, equivalent to about 12 million pounds, is exported to the U.S., posing a significant challenge for producers if this market is lost.
Western Canada, particularly the Prairie provinces, is the primary supplier of honey to the United States, Lalonde noted. While most of Canada’s honey is consumed domestically, the U.S. and Japan are the two other major markets. Lalonde highlighted the crucial timing of the tariffs during the honey season when beekeepers are actively engaged in harvesting.
The industry is awaiting the developments on September 8 when Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated that Canada will implement retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Lalonde emphasized the uncertainty faced by beekeepers amid the ongoing trade tensions and emphasized the importance of resolving the issue to mitigate the impact on the industry.
Regarding the impact of the tariffs on Saskatchewan, Jim Farney, the director at Queen’s University, mentioned that the province, being a major exporter of natural resources like oil, gas, and potash, may experience less impact compared to other regions. Farney highlighted that the focus should be on the potential effects of Canadian counter-tariffs rather than the recent U.S. tariffs.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concerns over the repercussions of the latest tariffs, foreseeing devastating effects on certain sectors of the provincial economy. The chamber supported the federal and provincial governments’ stance against unjust U.S. demands and called for comprehensive support to mitigate the impact on businesses across Saskatchewan.
In response to the trade dispute, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe endorsed the federal government’s decision to impose counter-tariffs and maintained a measured tone in his communication. The province’s Opposition NDP urged for stronger actions, including the removal of American alcohol from liquor store shelves and the adoption of procurement policies favoring Canadian companies for government contracts.
Amid the trade tensions, one Saskatchewan company, Black Fox Farm and Distillery, benefitted from the removal of American-produced liquor by other provinces. The company reported a shift in consumer preferences towards Canadian products, reflecting a broader trend of supporting local businesses. The ongoing trade dispute has prompted a reevaluation of procurement practices and a call for greater emphasis on domestic products within Saskatchewan.