How Canadian Diplomacy Helped Avoid Trump-Era Tariffs: Saskatchewan Premier Speaks Out
In a new revelation that underscores the importance of diplomatic engagement during tense trade negotiations, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said this week that direct talks with American leaders played a key role in helping Canada avoid additional tariffs during the Trump administration’s aggressive trade policy era.
Speaking to reporters, Premier Moe explained that consistent communication between provincial and federal officials and their U.S. counterparts helped ease tensions and prevent what could have been economically damaging tariffs on Canadian goods—particularly in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy
During Donald Trump’s presidency, Canada was not immune to the former U.S. leader’s protectionist trade strategy. While tariffs were imposed on Canadian steel and aluminum in 2018 under the guise of national security, there was widespread concern that more punitive tariffs could follow, especially during the renegotiation of NAFTA, which led to the USMCA trade agreement.
Premier Moe emphasized that Saskatchewan took a proactive role in ensuring the province’s voice was heard in Washington. “We had numerous discussions with American lawmakers, governors, and business leaders,” he said. “We made the case that trade between Canada and the U.S. is mutually beneficial, especially in regions where our industries are tightly integrated.”
These outreach efforts, Moe claims, were instrumental in defusing tensions and keeping Saskatchewan exports flowing freely across the border—particularly agricultural products like canola, lentils, and potash.
The Cost of Tariffs
Tariffs have long been a source of economic friction between the U.S. and its trade partners. Under Trump, the U.S. pursued a hardline approach to trade, implementing wide-ranging tariffs on allies and adversaries alike. Canada, one of the United States’ largest trading partners, found itself in the crosshairs during key moments of the Trump era.
Had additional tariffs been imposed, Canadian provinces like Saskatchewan could have seen billions in export losses, with ripple effects across supply chains and employment. Instead, through behind-the-scenes advocacy and collaboration, much of the worst-case economic fallout was avoided.
A Model for Future Trade Relations
Premier Moe’s comments serve as a reminder of the crucial role subnational diplomacy can play in managing international trade relationships. While federal governments often lead on trade policy, provinces and states—especially those with heavy trade exposure—can have significant influence by building direct relationships with foreign stakeholders.
Moe highlighted the importance of keeping these connections active, particularly given the unpredictability of global politics and the ever-changing landscape of international trade.
As North America adjusts to post-pandemic economic realities, and as the U.S. approaches another contentious election cycle, Moe believes it’s more important than ever for Canadian provinces to maintain strong, open lines of communication with their American counterparts.
“This experience has shown us that diplomacy doesn’t just happen in Ottawa or Washington,” Moe concluded. “It happens in conversations between neighbors, business partners, and political leaders across the continent.”
Source : The Canadian Press
