A drop in Saskatchewan exports has ignited a political battle, with the Sask NDP accusing Premier Scott Moe of downplaying the damaging impact of US trade threats under President Donald Trump.New data from Statistics Canada shows Saskatchewan merchandise exports fell 11% in May 2025 compared to the same month last year. Exports to the US dropped 9.4% over the first five months of 2025. .MAGA supporting Christian artist Sean Feucht faces more cancelled concerts across Canada.This decline happened while several other provinces saw their exports increase.These figures clash with Moe's recent statement that the US trade war "should not have much impact on Saskatchewan." The numbers prompted strong criticism from the Sask NDP.."Why is Scott Moe so intent on lying about the impact of Donald Trump on our economy?" asked Aleana Young, Sask NDP's Jobs and Economy Critic. “Saskatchewan is an export driven economy. And yet Moe continues to lie about Trump and the impact the US has on us time after time. Just this week he said he wants us to drop our elbows, despite clear evidence that his MAGA buddies are hurting our economy.”Young pointed out Moe's recent suggestion that Saskatchewan should avoid confrontation and "drop our elbows" in dealings with Trump allies. .UPDATED: Judge rules not guilty in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial for all 5 accused.She called this stance reckless, especially with US tariffs already hitting Saskatchewan steel and threats of new 35% tariffs on other goods starting August 1. Young accused Moe of a pattern of misleading statements on trade and procurement.Sask Party government strongly rejected the Sask NDP's assessment. .Officials highlighted other economic indicators showing strength."The lost and reckless NDP are desperate to run down Saskatchewan’s economy, when the reality is our economy remains strong and growing," said a government statement. “There are over 20,000 more people working in Saskatchewan over the past year - giving our province the strongest rate of job growth and the lowest unemployment rate in the country.”The Saskatchewan government used Statistics Canada figures showing Saskatchewan's real GDP reached a record $80.5 billion in 2024, growing 3.4%, the second-highest rate nationally. .Private capital investment also surged 17.3% last year to $14.7 billion, ranking first among provinces, with further growth expected in 2025. Retail trade was also up 6.4% year-over-year.While the Saskatchewan government maintains its focus on protecting jobs and growth, the Sask NDP insists the export slump demands a tougher stance against US protectionism and more economic diversification.
