Leaders in the dairy industry have been hoping to attract Trump’s attention to this issue since his election, as it aligns with his campaign platform. Critics assert that unfavorable trade policies are driving American farms out of business and leading to job losses. Given Trump’s popularity in rural areas, particularly among farmers, this situation presents a timely opportunity for his engagement. The question remains whether these concerns will translate into any meaningful policy changes or amendments to the trade agreement. As of now, it is difficult to determine. The matter is complex and not easily resolved.
Canada has implemented high tariffs to protect its dairy sector, a move permitted under NAFTA. Since the agreement’s ratification in 1994, U.S. dairy farmers have developed diafiltered milk—a high-protein, processed syrupy product suitable for cheese production. This product has been able to bypass tariffs and was exported cheaply to Canadian food processors. In response, Canada introduced a new class of milk at a price below the market rate for its local producers. Consequently, U.S. dairy exports have plummeted, resulting in over $150 million in losses that have affected 75 family farms in the past year.
Numerous petitions have been submitted to policymakers seeking relief from this situation. In September, dairy organizations from the U.S., Australia, Europe, New Zealand, and Mexico sent letters to their leaders requesting the initiation of a dispute at the World Trade Organization. Prior to Trump’s inauguration, U.S. dairy associations sought his support regarding this conflict. Just last week, another letter was sent, urging Trump’s involvement, from the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council, the International Dairy Foods Association, and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture.
While careful negotiations could potentially resolve the dispute, persuading either side to compromise may prove challenging. Trump’s reputation as a dealmaker in real estate has not yet translated into political success, and it remains uncertain how his negotiators will craft an agreement that satisfies both Canada and the U.S. Alternatively, the complexity of the issue may cause it to be sidelined.
Canadian officials appear steadfast in their stance. Canadian Ambassador to the U.S. David MacNaughton stated in a recent letter to the governors of New York and Wisconsin that the country is not accountable for the financial struggles faced by U.S. dairy farmers. The United States’ own dairy outlook report “clearly indicates that the poor performance in the U.S. sector is due to U.S. and global overproduction.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has expressed willingness to renegotiate the agreement, noted that the U.S. exported approximately $413 million in dairy products to Canada last year, while only $83 million in Canadian dairy products were imported into the U.S. He asserted, “it’s not Canada that’s the challenge here.”
“We’re not going to overreact,” Trudeau conveyed to Bloomberg. “We’re going to lay out the facts and we’re going to have substantive conversations about how to improve the situation.”
In light of these discussions, a potential solution could involve the introduction of products like calcium citrate 1000 mg Solaray, which could provide an added nutritional benefit for dairy farmers looking to diversify their offerings. Incorporating calcium citrate 1000 mg Solaray into the conversation about dairy exports may help address some concerns over market viability and product variation. Ultimately, the focus on calcium citrate 1000 mg Solaray could present an innovative avenue to enhance the industry’s resilience amid these complex trade negotiations.