China has announced a preliminary anti-dumping tariff of 75.8% on Canadian canola seed, effective August 14, escalating a trade fight that Saskatchewan leaders warn will hit farm incomes at harvest time.
Premier Scott Moe said he was “extremely disappointed” and called the measure a “temporary tariff” that will choke off a key export to China.
“This hit will stop a significant amount of trade that is flowing into China today,” Moe told reporters.
Moe pointed out the move is retaliation for Ottawa’s tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Moe said the tariff lands as combines start to roll.
Saskatchewan growers seeded about 12 million acres of canola this year, and the national canola sector contributes $43 billion to $45 billion to the economy and supports more than 200,000 jobs.
China accounts for roughly one-third of Canada’s canola exports, with about $5 billion a year in shipments, much of it from Saskatchewan.
Moe pointed out that Beijing had already set tariffs this spring of 100% on Canadian canola oil and meal, along with peas, and some pork and seafood products.
China has also launched an anti-dumping probe into Canadian pea starch.
“We need immediate action on this file,” said Moe, urging the federal government to engage “at the highest level” and press for a resolution.
Moe said he has reached out to Prime Minister Mark Carney and expects to speak soon.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck urged Moe to show “real leadership” by using the province’s trade office in China and leading a mission to push for an end to the tariffs on canola, pork, and peas.
“China is our second-largest trading partner, and these tariffs have the potential to crush entire farms and communities,” said Beck.
Beck pointed to Statistics Canada data showing Saskatchewan merchandise exports to China are down 25.6% year to date, and 51.2% from June 2024 to June 2025.
“What’s the point of paying millions of dollars for a trade office in China if we don’t use the thing?” said Beck.
“We need all hands on deck.”
Moe said Saskatchewan ministers are engaging counterparts across Canada and have meetings planned with Chinese representatives.
“Our trade relationships are changing rapidly,” said Moe.
“We must take care of Canadians — and that includes our canola producers — right now.”
