Canada weighs export leverage in US trade war; Saskatchewan premier warns against it
Canada is escalating its response to President Donald Trump's trade war, with another round of retaliatory tariffs set to take effect September 8. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe warned Wednesday against using oil and potash exports as leverage, saying such tariffs would hurt Canada's economy. Moe supports Ottawa's targeted countertariffs on US goods if they have minimal domestic impact, but argues taxing potash would cost Canadian jobs and push US buyers to other suppliers. Canada is the world's largest potash exporter, with the US receiving 53% of shipments in 2024. The trade fight escalated after negotiations broke down, with new 50% US tariffs on $20 billion of Canadian imports taking effect Saturday. Canada plans dollar-for-dollar retaliation beginning September 8, including tariffs on $20 billion of US steel, dairy, and electronics.