Saskatchewan defends its potash exports as Trump eyes Belarus

Not everyone in the United States wants to see potash shipped in from Belarus, as President Donald Trump does.

Agriculture Minister David Marit said he spoke with American lawmakers who opposed Trump’s comments.

“They want to see the continuation of Saskatchewan potash going to them,” he said. “It’s a reliable supply, and it’s a good supply. It’s exactly what their farmers are asking for.”

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Trump said in a social media post on Monday that the U.S. is working on a deal to buy potash from Belarus.

The deal aims to decentralize the U.S.’s need for Canadian fertilizer.

President Donald Trump wants to make a potash deal with Belarus to reduce dependancy on Canada’s exports. (Gillian Massie/ 980 CJME)

On Tuesday in New York, Trump softened his tone on Canadian potash exports while taking questions.

“We’ll continue to go with Canada,” the U.S. President said. “But Belarus would like to sell it for a much lower price.”

Marit said 85 to 90 per cent of the potash used on American farmers’ fields comes from Saskatchewan.

Farmers have come to the agriculture minister with concerns that fertilizer prices would go up, he said.

“Hopefully, we get through all the rhetoric,” Marit said.

Premier Scott Moe criticized Trump’s would-be deal with Belarus, a close ally of Russia.

He said Canada is one of 40 nations to have sanctions on Belarus because it’s supporting “war criminal Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.”

A worker holds a chunk of potash at a mine in Allan, Sask. (980 CJME file photo)

“Buying blood potash from Belarus is supporting Russian aggression. It’s wrong and it doesn’t make sense,” the premier said in a social media post.

Marit agreed with Moe’s comments.

“We’ll work with our state colleagues and try and send the message to the proper people to make sure that we get the agreement,” he said.

Fertilizer Canada says integrated potash supply chain helps U.S.

Fertilizer Canada said the nation remains the world’s largest potash exporter and a reliable supplier for North American farmers, in a statement.

“Canadian potash helps ensure growers have access to the nutrients they need, when and where they need them,” it read. “Reliability, proximity, transportation infrastructure, product availability and the ability to deliver during critical application windows all matter.”

It said an integrated North American potash supply chain helps people on both sides of the border.