Saskatchewan’s canola has traditionally been exported to China and the United States, with over 83% of the province’s canola exports heading to these markets in the previous year, according to the Canola Council of Canada. However, due to high tariffs imposed by China and trade uncertainties with the United States, the Saskatchewan government is seeking to expand its canola export markets.
Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s Minister of Trade and Export Development, emphasized the need for prompt actions to support local canola growers. Export data from Statistics Canada reveals a significant decline in Saskatchewan’s exports to China following the imposition of steep tariffs on Canadian canola seed and oil.
Kaeding expressed optimism about forthcoming support for the canola sector, highlighting its importance to the federal government. He emphasized the interconnectedness of various Canadian industries, such as steel, pulse crops, seafood, and pork, with the canola trade decisions.
As the harvest season concludes for Saskatchewan canola producers, Tracy Broughton, the Executive Director of Sask Oilseeds, noted that farmers have mixed feelings despite a good crop yield. Broughton stressed the necessity for resolving trade issues and diversifying trade relationships to mitigate reliance on specific markets.
Murad Al-Katib, CEO of AGT Foods, echoed the importance of exploring emerging markets and reducing dependency on traditional markets like the United States. He emphasized the need for sustained market presence and market access in new regions.
Kaeding’s recent trade mission to Southeast Asia aimed to explore opportunities for canola product sales in the region. He highlighted Southeast Asia as a key region for diversifying canola trade, citing strong trade relations and significant canola sales in countries like Japan and within the ASEAN region.
The focus is now shifting towards marketing Saskatchewan canola meal to the ASEAN regions’ dairy sector, aiming to tap into new markets while reducing reliance on existing markets like the U.S. dairy industry.