Saskatchewan defends its potash exports as Trump eyes 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/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.”

“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.

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by Gillian Massie

Saskatchewan defends its potash exports as Trump eyes Belarus

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

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