Industry hoping potash, other products stay tariff-free when CUSMA talks wrap

A major producer of potash in Saskatchewan is hoping to keep the “two-way street” open between Canada and the United States once the dust settles on trade talks.

Around half of the potash the Mosaic Company produces at mines in Belle Plaine, Colonsay, and Esterhazy ends up in the U.S., according to Mosaic’s director of government and public affairs, Marnel Jones.

But Jones explained the company also produces a product Canadian farmers need.

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“The U.S farmers need us, as do we need phosphate from America,” Jones told reporters at a media event to announce $1.5 million in renewed partnerships with a number of Moose Jaw organizations.

She said the company’s message on trade has been consistent.

“Obviously, we want to make sure that fertilizer can continue to go back and forth over our North American borders, whether that’s potash or phosphate, two products that Mosaic makes,” she said.

“We need those products to move freely and fairly over borders, and we’re going to continue to advocate for that, whether it’s with the Canadian government or any other government.”

The sentiment was echoed by Pam Schwann, president of the Saskatchewan Mining Association, who pointed out the U.S. gets not only half of Saskatchewan’s potash output, but a quarter of the uranium mined in the province, as well.

“Our potash helps make the agricultural community in the United States stronger, more competitive,” she said. “And same with our uranium, (it) provides base load energy for not just households but businesses.

Marnel Jones, Mosaic director of government and public affairs for Mosaic, speaks at a media event Wednesday. (Geoff Smith/980 CJME)

“So, imposing tariffs on those two commodities would actually increase the cost to American households, and that was probably not going to be in their interest,” Schwann continued.

“We are very hopeful that we see continued free tariff-free trade between the U.S. and Canada.”

Schwann said one big challenge facing Saskatchewan’s industry is skilled employees, pointing out BHP’s Jansen potash mine is expected to be online soon, as well as a northern copper zinc mine and new uranium mines as well.

“Everybody’s competing for trades: electricians, industrial mechanics, millwrights, as well as some critical careers in engineering,” she said. “So we want to make sure that Saskatchewan students and youth are aware of the great job opportunities in mining, and that they choose a pathway that will lead them to these careers in our sector.”