Overview
- The U.S. has imposed 50% duties on $20 billion of Canadian goods and announced bans on selected Canadian dairy imports that take effect Sept. 29, while Canada put dollar-for-dollar 50% tariffs on many U.S. goods that began Sept. 8.
- Whey, a cheese byproduct used in protein powders and many high-protein foods, sits at the center of the measures because much of the processed whey Canada needs comes from U.S. plants.
- Wholesale whey prices spiked to a USDA-record $13 per pound in June and have since eased to about $10–$11 per pound, keeping input costs far above pre-2026 levels.
- Manufacturers are rushing to stockpile U.S. whey, borrowing to cover higher inventory costs, and weighing costly reformulation to alternative proteins that would take months to implement.
- Analysts and industry groups warn consumers should expect price increases and possible shortages for protein powders and ready-to-eat whey products as supply disruptions work through the market this winter.