The most recent set of U.S. tariffs is expected to halt the flow of honey from Canada to the United States, as stated by the president of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Simon Lalonde. Lalonde expressed concerns over the 50 percent tariff imposed on a range of goods, including honey, which took effect on Friday, deeming it excessively burdensome. He noted that Canadian beekeepers would struggle to absorb the impact on their profits, leading U.S. honey packers to likely seek honey from other countries they import into the U.S.
The majority of honey produced in Canada is typically distributed within the country, with the United States and Japan serving as the primary international markets. Lalonde highlighted that Western Canada, particularly the Prairie provinces, is a significant supplier of honey to the U.S. Approximately 15 to 20 percent of Canada’s honey exports, equating to around 12 million pounds, are destined for the U.S. market, posing a significant challenge for producers amid the loss of this key market.
As beekeepers are currently in the midst of honey season, focusing on harvesting, the industry anxiously awaits developments on September 8, when Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods will be imposed. Lalonde emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation to assess whether the trade dispute will have lasting implications for beekeepers.
Experts have suggested that Saskatchewan may be less affected by the recent tariffs compared to other provinces due to its primary exports of natural resources like oil, gas, and potash, which have so far been exempt from the trade tensions. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concerns over the repercussions of the latest tariffs and voiced support for the federal and provincial governments’ firm stance against what they deem as economically unsound U.S. demands. They called for government support to aid businesses across the province, emphasizing the significance of access to global markets for Saskatchewan’s economic prosperity.
Moreover, amid the trade dispute, a Saskatchewan-based company witnessed benefits from the removal of American-produced liquor by other Canadian provinces, leading to increased consumer interest in Canadian products. The Opposition NDP urged Saskatchewan to follow suit by removing U.S. alcohol from liquor stores and adopting a procurement policy favoring Canadian companies for government contracts. These actions are seen as symbolic gestures with potential economic impacts, especially in preserving local jobs.
Looking ahead, Lalonde emphasized the need for Canadian honey producers to explore new export markets to offset the loss of the U.S. market. He suggested that a modest increase in honey consumption by Canadian households could help mitigate the impact of the disrupted trade relations.
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