The most recent series of tariffs imposed by the United States is expected to halt the importation of honey from Canada, according to the president of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Simon Lalonde. Lalonde expressed concerns over the 50% tariff on various goods, including honey, totaling $28 billion, which came into effect last Friday, stating that it imposes an unsustainable financial burden on Canadian beekeepers. He anticipates that many U.S. honey packers will seek honey sources from other countries instead of Canada.
The majority of Canadian honey is typically consumed within the country, with the United States and Japan being the primary export destinations. Lalonde pointed out that Western Canada, particularly the Prairie provinces, is a significant supplier of honey to the United States. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of Canada’s honey production, equivalent to around 12 million pounds, is usually exported to the U.S., creating a substantial challenge for producers with the potential loss of this market.
As the honey season is currently underway, beekeepers are actively engaged in harvesting activities. Lalonde mentioned that the industry is closely monitoring the situation until September 8, when Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods will be implemented. The outcome of these developments will greatly impact beekeepers depending on the resolution of the trade dispute.
Saskatchewan is expected to experience minimal impact from the recent tariffs, according to Jim Farney, Director and Stauffer Dunning Chair at the School of Policy Studies at Queen’s University. This is attributed to the province’s reliance on natural resources like oil, gas, and potash, which have not been directly affected by the trade tensions. Farney emphasized that the potential repercussions may be more significant from Canadian counter-tariffs rather than the U.S. tariffs.
The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concerns regarding the repercussions of the latest tariffs on various sectors of the provincial economy. The chamber endorsed the federal and provincial governments’ stance in resisting what they deemed as unjust U.S. demands and urged for comprehensive support for businesses across Saskatchewan. Premier Scott Moe echoed these sentiments and endorsed the government’s decision to impose counter-tariffs against the U.S.
In response to the trade dispute, a Saskatchewan-based company noted a positive impact from the removal of American-produced liquor in other provinces. Black Fox Farm and Distillery reported a decline in American liquor sales, indicating a shift towards supporting Canadian products. Meanwhile, the Opposition NDP called for the removal of American alcohol from liquor store shelves and proposed adopting procurement policies favoring Canadian companies for government contracts to safeguard local jobs.
Lalonde emphasized the importance of finding new export markets for Canadian honey amidst the uncertain trade environment. He suggested that increasing domestic honey consumption could help offset the loss of the U.S. market, indicating a potential strategy to mitigate the impact on Canadian honey producers.