Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has unveiled counter-tariffs on U.S. alcohol products, matching the U.S. tariffs of 50 per cent.

At a news conference in Prince Albert on Wednesday, Moe declared the counter-tariffs will take effect Sept. 8.

The U.S. implemented a 50 per cent tariff on a range of Canadian alcohol products on Aug. 22.

In a related development, on the other hand, the premier noted the province is still not considering pulling U.S. booze from shelves. He said his administration will leave the choice to buy or not buy the U.S. products up to Saskatchewan consumers.

On Tuesday, Ottawa unveiled counter-tariffs on $27.6 billion of U.S. goods. It also unveiled $7.5 billion in support for workers and businesses.

Moe stated the province supports the federal authorities's "focused and targeted approach in its counter-tariffs on U.S. imports," after trade negotiations fell apart over the weekend.

Furthermore, he noted the U.S. was "encroaching on international trade agreements," and called that unacceptable. Moe said Saskatchewan has been working to build trade relationships outside of North America, and that those efforts have been successful.

Premier Scott Moe announces counter-tariff on American alcohol

The premier noted the new counter-tariffs cover about $1.5 billion, or 11.3 per cent, of Saskatchewan's annual imports from the U.S. He said the province is analyzing the counter-tariff list closely and is working with "affected industries to determine its potential impact on jobs and consumer prices."

Additionally, on Wednesday, Moe made it clear to reporters that export tariffs affecting potash and oil are off the table.

"What we as a province cannot and will not support is any kind of export tariff on our natural resources or any resources that are being exported to the U.S. or through the U.S. to other areas of the world," he expressed.

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It is worth noting that sask. premier endorses Canadian counter-tariffs, says they will apply to 11% of province's U.S. imports

"We cannot in any way support the adding of export tariffs on a product like oil," Moe declared, calling it an unsustainable hit to the Saskatchewan and Alberta industries in particular.

Moe declared Canadians would lose jobs immediately if that were to happen.

In the broader context, "An export tariff on oil would have a far greater impact on those that are living in Eastern Canada than it would even on those that are directly working in the energy industry," he declared.

The premier also remarked an export tax on potash would be "devastating" for Saskatchewan's economy, adding it would lead to much higher fertilizer costs, affecting farmers all over the world.

Tom McIntosh, professor of politics and international studies at the University of Regina, remarked he wasn't surprised negotiations between Canada and the U.S. fell apart.

Notably, "This is a difficult administration to negotiate with," he stated.

The professor stated the province might eventually have to negotiate with the U.S., adding Saskatchewan is "sitting on a lot of potash, and a whole lot of potash that those agricultural states in the United States need because they don't have much of their own source."

McIntosh noted the only other meaningful source of potash for the U.S. is in Russia.

Significantly, no export tariffs on Canadian potash and oil, says Sask. premier

"So, does it get to the point where we put export duties or something onto potash? I think everybody is hoping that no, we don't have to do that. But it is a possibility."

Meanwhile, U.S. steel and aluminum are affected by the counter-tariffs. The province's steel industry wants to ensure its workers' jobs are protected.

Meanwhile, "I welcome the announcements from the federal authorities that we are gonna take targeted retaliatory measures and we are going to support businesses and workers that are impacted," noted Scott Lunny, Western Canada director for the United Steel Workers Union.

Agricultural equipment is also targeted by the counter-tariffs.

The Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) declared farmers have no choice but to pay the price for parts and machinery.

On a related note, "Going into the harvest season now, producers are going to be forced to pay a really high price for parts because they need them to keep the equipment running," noted APAS president Bill Prybylski.

Moe mentioned the province is also reviewing the federal authorities's support measures to ensure they work for businesses and workers.

"While this is the appropriate response to the latest round of U.S. tariffs, we can never lose sight of the fact that all tariffs hurt businesses, jobs, consumers and families on both sides of the border, and our ultimate goal must be to get back to a free and fair trade relationship with the U.S., as we have enjoyed for numerous years," Moe stated.

In a related development, ultimately, Moe told reporters in Prince Albert that Canadians "need to have one goal": to return to the negotiating table and make a deal with their largest trading partner.

"With all of the very intentional actions that we take, the goal has to be for both parties to return to the table," he mentioned, adding the ideal outcome would be a trade arrangement that's good for Canadians and Americans.

Laura is a journalist, radio host and newsreader at CBC Saskatchewan. She previously worked at CBC Vancouver, CBC Toronto and The Globe and Mail. She has also guest conveyed on the BBC World Service. Laura specializes in human interest, arts and health care coverage. She holds a Master of Journalism degree from the University of British Columbia. Send Laura news tips at laura.sciarpelletti@cbc.ca