Diplomatic and trade channels are being used to fight the prospect of damaging U.S. tariffs on agricultural products, Alberta’s agriculture minister said.
In a letter posted to social media, RJ Sigursdon, agriculture minister and Highwood MLA, said he he is committed to standing up for the industry and that concerns about 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian exports to the United States are being taken seriously by Alberta's government.
Tariffs have not yet been announced, but U.S. President Donald Trump has not said they are off the table.
In Alberta, work has been underway to address potential trade disruptions since Trump first proposed tariffs, Sigurdson said.
“Premier Danielle Smith, myself, and my department are actively engaged in ongoing discussions with federal and international partners to safeguard our industry and maintain access to this crucial U.S. market,” he said.
The Province is in contact with the U.S. government and trade groups on both sides of the border, he said.
“We will continue to work diligently to protect Alberta’s agriculture sector, expand market opportunities, and ensure that our province remains a global leader in food production.”
Agricultural exports from Alberta to the United States are worth billions of dollars per year, and trade between Alberta and the United States is good for the economies of each, he said.
He said Alberta's agricultural exports to the United States totalled $8.9 billion in 2023.
As Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, I hear your concerns about potential tariffs on agricultural exports. Advocating for our industry has always remained my top priority. Alberta’s government is actively working to protect our farmers and ensure the stability of our trade… pic.twitter.com/yQejCmrHxz
— RJ Sigurdson (@RjSigurdson) January 21, 2025