Whey Protein Caught in the U.S.–Canada Trade War

In late 2025 President Donald Trump imposed 50 % duties on $20 billion of Canadian goods, citing “increased discrimination against U.S. commerce.” Canada responded with matching 50 % tariffs on U.S. imports. On September 8 the Canadian tariffs took effect, and the United States announced a ban on eight categories of Canadian whey-protein products, including whey protein concentrate, effective Sept. 29. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met Trump in the Oval Office on October 7 2025 to discuss the retaliation.

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The ban hit firms that rely on whey as a core ingredient. Jim McMahon, CEO of Fit Foods LP, rushed to stockpile six months of inventory before the September 8 tariffs, borrowing money to cover rush fees and storage.

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Aaron Skelton, president of the Canadian Health Food Association, warned that “economic tools can be turned on and off fairly quickly. Supply chains can’t.” Producers are scrambling for alternatives such as pea protein, a switch that would require costly reformulation.

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At the farm level, Kevin de Vos, co-owner of Foxtrot Dairy, noted a shift in breeding selection to raise milk-protein content, a change that will take more than three years to affect whey yields.

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U.S. Department of Agriculture data show whey-protein concentrate reached a record $13 per pound in June 2026, a 250 % increase from the same month a year earlier. Prices have since settled around $10–$11 per pound, but consumers have not yet felt the full impact.

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Trade data indicate that nearly $73 million of general and modified whey imported into the United States last year originated in Canada, while the eight banned whey categories represent only a fraction of that total.

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• President Donald Trump framed the duties and ban as a response to “unfair levies” and alleged discrimination.

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• Prime Minister Mark Carney defended Canada’s reciprocal tariffs as a necessary counter-measure.

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• The U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that American whey-protein concentrate suppliers were sold out for the remainder of the year as of April 2026, prompting industry concerns about supply shortages.

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Industry leaders argue that the rapid imposition of tariffs and bans creates “extremely difficult” market conditions. Dan Crosby, CEO of BioSteel Sports Nutrition, described the situation as “very tough,” noting that months of investment in supply-chain adjustments are being undone at the last minute.

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• 50 % duties on $20 billion of Canadian goods (U.S. side).

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• 50 % Canadian tariffs on U.S. goods effective Sept. 8.

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• Eight whey categories banned, covering a fraction of the $73 million annual Canadian whey import value.

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• USDA price peak: $13 /lb (250 % YoY increase).

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• Current wholesale price range: $10–$11 /lb.

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• Fit Foods LP’s pre-tariff stockpile covered six months of inventory.

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• USDA data record a $13 /lb peak, while industry observers note that prices have “settled” to $10–$11 /lb; the timing and extent of consumer-price transmission remain unclear.

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• The exact proportion of Canadian whey production that can be converted into the eight banned types is not quantified, leaving uncertainty about the overall supply impact.

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