Canadian potash producer Nutrien will build its new terminal in the U.S. instead of British Columbia

November 25,2025

RED FM News Desk

B.C. Premier David Eby says a recent decision by a Saskatchewan-based company “doesn’t make sense.” 

Potash and fertilizer producer Nutrien has chosen to bypass the Port of Vancouver in favour of a port near Vancouver, Washington. 

Eby said Monday that he questions the move, arguing it would leave a Canadian commodity vulnerable to U.S. political decisions. 

“It puts Saskatchewan’s resources in a risky position and denies B.C. a port expansion,” Eby said. 

Nutrien says it evaluated 30 different criteria for its expansion and determined that Longview, a city in Washington state, is the best option. The company told Global News that building a new facility would require between $500 million and $1 billion in investment, but noted that while Longview is its preferred site, planning is still in the early stages. A final investment decision is expected in 2027. 

Canada’s federal transportation minister also criticized the move. 

“I’m disappointed in this decision, and we’re hoping to convince the company to reconsider,” said Transport Minister Steve MacKinnon. 

The Port of Vancouver reports that potash exports have risen 26 per cent year over year, but upcoming expansions at the North Shore and Westshore terminals may still fall short of meeting global demand. 

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe pushed back, saying B.C. should ease its rhetoric. 

“It’s already cost us one potash investment, and frankly, it’s not acting like part of Team Canada,” he said, referring to the 2016 decision by Saskatchewan firm Canpotex to cancel a $775-million project in Prince Rupert. 

Critics argue that both the federal and provincial governments must move faster to approve new infrastructure investments. 

“They’re saying the right things and heading in the right direction, but talking the talk is different from walking the walk,” said John Corey, president of the Freight Management Association of Canada. 

If Nutrien proceeds, it is expected that by 2031 the company will ship as much potash through Longview, Washington, as it does through Canadian ports.