Canadian cheese faces 50% U.S. tariff while dairy products like whey protein will be banned from entering the country. This change poses challenges for Quebec’s cheese makers but opens up opportunities for local cheese shops to promote Quebec-made products, such as Fromagerie Hamel at the Atwater market.
Nyome Giroux, the manager at Fromagerie Hamel, highlights the shift in consumer preference towards supporting local cheese amidst the tariff war. The demand for American cheeses has decreased, leading to a surge in interest for Quebec-made alternatives.
Montreal cheese shops like Fromagerie Hamel are focusing on promoting locally sourced products, with customers like Heather Grant emphasizing the importance of checking labels to ensure products are locally produced. This shift in consumer behavior is driven by the desire to support local businesses and products.
For dairy farmers protected by supply management, the tariff could lead to increased competition in the American market. Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University notes that smaller cheese makers relying on exports might face challenges in competing on price without access to the U.S. market.
Charles Langlois, CEO of Quebec’s dairy industry, expresses concern over the impact of the ban on Canadian whey protein products, given the current shortage. While the ban on cheese imports may affect major manufacturers and importers in Quebec, the region is well-equipped with numerous dairy companies producing a variety of products.
The potential price increases for cheese due to the tariffs might not be entirely passed on to consumers, as market dynamics play a role in pricing. Giroux emphasizes the removal of American cheeses from shelves to promote local alternatives and maintain reasonable pricing for customers.
