IDFA Urges U.S., Canada to Resume Dairy Trade Talks Following New Whey Import Ban

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) today urged U.S. and Canadian officials to return to constructive negotiations to resolve longstanding dairy trade concerns following a new U.S. ban on imports of certain whey and modified whey products from Canada, effective Sept. 29.

“In response to the President’s Executive Order banning whey and modified whey imports from Canada effective Sept. 29th, IDFA reiterates its strong support for resolving long-standing U.S. dairy trade concerns through meaningful negotiations. The United States imported more than $35 million in whey products from Canada last year. While the concerns about Canadian protein pricing policies continue to remain unresolved, an import ban will not address these underlying issues. IDFA strongly urges Canadian and U.S. officials to return to regular, constructive negotiations as soon as possible.”

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.