Tariffs threatened by Trump could undermine food and energy security, Sask. premier warns

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is warning a 25 per cent tariff U.S. president-elect Donald Trump is threatening would hurt Canada's food and energy sectors and be "disastrous" for economic stability and security on both sides of the border.

"We've dealt with this in the past, and we need to approach it the same way now — working with the incoming Trump administration to address their concerns while ensuring that these tariffs, if they do come, are short-lived," Moe told host David Cochrane in a Friday interview with CBC's Power and Politics.

Moe specifically dismissed the idea of retaliatory export tariffs, a countermeasure some have floated in response to U.S. tariff threat. He argued that such a move would harm Canadian producers and create broader economic disruptions.

"I'll be asking the prime minister for assurances that these export tariffs are just simply not under consideration, nor should they be," he said.

Last month, Trump said he will impose a 25 per cent tariff on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico after he takes office in January, unless those countries stem the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders.

Canada's premiers took part in a virtual meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this week to discuss the Canadian response to the demands by the incoming U.S. administration.

WATCH | Moe speaks with Power & Politics:

Following that meeting, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province could cut off energy supplies to the U.S. if Trump makes good on the tariff threat.

Saskatchewan is a major exporter of agricultural products, energy and minerals, all of which could face significant disruption if retaliatory tariffs are imposed, Moe said.

"Let's reduce tariffs, not add them. Punishing Canadians working in these industries is not what we would be asking for," he said.

"This isn't just about economic growth. It's about maintaining relationships with our largest trading partner and ensuring global stability. The wrong moves here could have consequences that last for years."

Joel Bruneau, an economist at the University of Saskatchewan, echoed Moe's concerns, saying tariffs on Canadian exports like potash, oil or agricultural products would disproportionately harm Saskatchewan's economy.

"Export tariffs would not just hurt producers but would lead to higher costs for consumers in both Canada and the United States," Bruneau said. "Retaliatory measures escalate tensions and can entrench long-term inefficiencies in the global trade system."

Bruneau noted that Saskatchewan's economy is highly dependent on exports, particularly to the U.S., its largest trading partner.