Regina, Sask. (Rural Roots Canada) – The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) says that while Canada must defend its economic interests in the ongoing trade war with the United States, farmers shouldn’t have to pay twice because of it.
In a release, APAS president Bill Prybylski says that with Canada’s counter-tariffs kicking in on September 8, targeting agricultural equipment in particular, farmers will be on the hook.
“Canada must defend its economic interests, but farmers should not be required to pay twice—first through lost export markets and then through higher production costs,” Prybylski said. “Agricultural machinery, replacement parts and essential inputs must be protected, particularly where Canadian alternatives are not readily available.”
APAS is calling the federal government to protect essential agricultural inputs and provide greater certainty as the Canada-U.S. trade war escalates. It cites honey producers as taking the immediate brunt of new tariffs, who will see a 50% tariff added to natural honey, effectively closing the U.S. market to them.
“But the concern extends beyond honey,” said Prybylski. “Continued uncertainty about markets, input costs and retaliation makes it increasingly difficult for farm businesses to plan, invest and manage risk.”
APAS is asking the feds to consult agricultural organizations and exclude essential farm machinery, replacement parts and production inputs from counter-tariffs. It’s also calling for targeted assistance and market-development support for honey producers and other affected agricultural sectors. Finally, it wants to see Canada resume negotiations with the United States and “defend predictable, rules-based agricultural trade under CUSMA.”
“Most Saskatchewan agricultural products are not currently targeted, but producers understand how quickly a trade dispute can spread,” Prybylski added. “Both governments need to return to the table before further escalation increases costs for farmers, businesses and consumers.”
Canada released a detailed list of U.S. products subject to counter-tariffs on Tuesday, including dairy products, natural honey, and agricultural machinery and parts, among others. The tariffs vary by product, ranging from 15 to 50 percent.
The measures will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on September 8.
