‘It’s devastating’: The US-Canada trade war is putting protein on the menu
The United States and Canada are engaged in an escalating trade war, with whey protein becoming a central point of contention. Canada imposed 50% tariffs on American whey, while the US retaliated with bans on Canadian whey products, causing significant disruption for consumers and businesses in both countries.
Why it matters
This trade dispute highlights the economic impact of protectionist policies on specific industries and consumers, potentially leading to higher prices and supply chain issues for popular food ingredients.
Attention, protein maxers: One of your highly coveted ingredients is taking center stage in the escalating trade war between the United States and Canada. Whey, the workhorse ingredient behind protein powders and a growing universe of high-protein foods, is getting caught in the crossfire. Canada imposed 50% tariffs on American whey, while many Canadian whey products are about to be banned outright in the United States. For the protein-obsessed, the pain won’t be evenly distributed: Canadians are facing a much bigger squeeze, but Americans aren’t off the hook either. “If there’s no tariff relief, it’s devastating for consumers, retailers and us,” said Jim McMahon, CEO of Fit Foods LP, a British Columbia-based manufacturer of whey protein powder.
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