Trump’s new 50% cheese tariffs and whey import ban poised to sting Canadian dairy exporters - Toronto Star

Analysts say the restrictions are a direct shot at Canada's supply management system, but stop short of threatening the broader dairy sector.

Under Canada’s supply management system, U.S. dairy producers can currently export to Canada tariff-free within set limits. Tariffs can climb as high as 250 per cent beyond those thresholds.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest trade salvo targeting Canadian dairy will deal a sharp blow to specific exporters, even if the overall impact on the broader dairy sector remains manageable, industry analysts say.

On Tuesday, Trump signed off on the trade restrictions in retaliation for Canadian counter-tariffs.

A 50 per cent tariff on selected Canadian cheeses, could come into effect as early as Sept. 15. A U.S. import ban on certain whey products could start by Sept. 29. 

The renewed focus on dairy is hardly surprising, experts say, given the Trump administration’s ongoing frustration with Canada’s supply management system, which limits U.S. dairy exports north of the border.