The recent imposition of U.S. tariffs is expected to severely impact honey exports from Canada to the United States, as stated by the president of the Saskatchewan Beekeepers Development Commission, Simon Lalonde. Lalonde expressed concern over the significant 50 per cent tariff on a range of goods, including honey, totaling $28 billion, which came into effect recently. He emphasized that Canadian beekeepers cannot bear such a substantial cost increase, leading U.S. honey packers to likely seek honey sources from other countries they import into the U.S.
Most of Canada’s honey is typically consumed domestically, with the United States and Japan being the primary export markets. Lalonde highlighted that Western Canada, particularly the Prairie provinces, plays a substantial role in supplying honey to the United States. Approximately 15 to 20 per cent of Canadian honey production, equivalent to around 12 million pounds, is exported to the U.S., posing a significant challenge for producers with the potential loss of this market.
Amidst the ongoing honey season, beekeepers are actively focused on harvesting, awaiting developments on September 8 when Prime Minister Mark Carney has indicated Canada will impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. The Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce expressed deep concern over the latest tariffs, foreseeing devastating consequences for various sectors of the provincial economy. The chamber supported the firm stance taken by federal and provincial governments against what they deemed as economically unsound and unjust U.S. demands, calling for government support to aid businesses across Saskatchewan.
The article also highlighted a local company in Saskatchewan benefiting from the decision of other Canadian provinces to remove American-produced liquor from their shelves. Despite initial considerations, Saskatchewan opted to leave the choice to consumers, witnessing a 40 per cent drop in American liquor sales during the last fiscal year. This shift in consumer behavior has led to increased interest in Canadian products, benefiting local businesses like Black Fox Farm and Distillery.
Lalonde emphasized the importance of Canadian producers finding new export markets for honey in light of the disrupted U.S. market. He suggested that a modest increase in honey consumption by Canadian families could help mitigate the impact of losing the U.S. market.
