Saskatchewan honey producers face uncertain future amid Canada-U.S. trade war

Saskatchewan's honey producers are grappling with an uncertain future as an escalating trade war with the United States imposes significant new tariffs on Canadian goods, including natural honey. Businesses like Hannigan Honey, located near Shellbrook, are experiencing major financial blows from these U.S. measures.

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It’s a bit of a wait-and-see situation, but certainly there is a lot of concern.

Murray Hannigan, owner of Hannigan Honey, described the situation as a "wait-and-see" period, but expressed significant concern. The U.S. recently implemented 50% tariffs on approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian products. For Hannigan Honey, which has operated for 84 years, this presents one of its greatest challenges. Typically, 20 to 40 percent of its product is exported to the United States, a market that is now being significantly restricted.

"A lot of uncertainty. It is affecting us hugely, just simply shutting us out," Hannigan stated. While his business's long history provides a degree of resilience, he worries about the impact of this unpredictability on his nearly three dozen employees. "I provide work for a lot of people. That's really important to me that they have a degree of stability in their lives," he added.

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A lot of uncertainty. It is affecting us hugely, just simply shutting us out.

Fortunately, Hannigan began diversifying his export markets more than a decade ago, seeking destinations outside the U.S. This strategy is now being accelerated, with a focus on Europe and Japan. However, building these international relationships requires time and effort, including travel and establishing connections. "We have had to travel to Japan; we've gone with the premier. We've been there on our own. And that connectivity is very important to them. It's important to us," Hannigan noted.

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I provide work for a lot of people. That’s really important to me that they have a degree of stability in their lives.

In response to the U.S. tariffs, Ottawa announced counter-tariffs covering about $1.5 billion, or 11.3%, of Saskatchewan's annual imports from the United States. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe stated that Canada's approach is focused and targeted, and the province supports the federal government's actions. As the trade tensions continue, Hannigan plans to navigate the uncertainty by diversifying his trading partners and hoping for a de-escalation.

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We have had to travel to Japan; we’ve gone with the premier. We’ve been there on our own. And that connectivity is very important to them. It’s important to us.