Dairy farmers warn against concessions as U.S. tariff deadline looms

Canadian dairy farmers are warning against any concessions for their sector as trade talks intensify with the United States ahead of President Donald Trump’s tariff deadline.

A new round of 50 per cent tariffs on a range of Canadian goods is set to take effect on Aug. 19. Unlike most of Trump’s other tariffs, these would have no exemptions for goods that comply with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement on trade.

The supply management system that protects Canadian dairy has been cited by the U.S. as a key irritant in trade negotiations and Trump has repeatedly complained about the level of U.S. dairy farmers’ access to Canada’s market.

Dairy Farmers of Canada says it’s urging the federal government not to offer any more concessions on dairy or supply management in talks with the United States.

“Our food sovereignty is not for sale; a bad deal is not worth the cost,” the organization said in a statement to The Canadian Press.

“Canada has already made several concessions in recent months to advance CUSMA review discussions with the U.S. — only to be met each time with fresh demands. It is difficult to see how more concessions would produce a different result.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Thursday his government is “loyal” to the supply management system.

Other irritants flagged by the U.S., where American negotiators are pushing for concessions, include provincial bans on sales of U.S. alcohol, the federal government’s “Buy Canadian” procurement policy and quotas on certain U.S. vehicles.

Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is leaving Washington Friday after meeting with industry groups and various senators, and is set to return Monday.

Janice Charette, Canada’s chief trade negotiator, is remaining in Washington over the weekend.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2026.