Valadao denounces recent trade ruling permitting Canadian dairy restrictions

U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) continues to oppose Canadian restrictions on California and United States dairy farmer’s market access. 

“I will continue working to protect fair market access for dairy farmers and manufacturers here in the Central Valley,” the congressman said.

Rep. Valadao on Nov. 27 slammed the recent ruling by a U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) dispute panel that he says permits such restrictions to continue.

An earlier dispute panel in January 2022 ruled that Canada was in breach of its obligations to the U.S. dairy industry. Following that ruling, Canada did make changes to its dairy tariff rate quota (TRQ) system, but failed to make meaningful reforms, according to information provided by Rep. Valadao’s staff.

In turn, U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in May 2022 initiated a second USMCA dispute panel to challenge Canada’s changes. The panel on Nov. 24 ruled that Canada was not obligated to make further changes to its TRQ system, according to the information.

“It is unacceptable that Canada is not being held accountable for its failure to meet its obligations to the U.S. dairy industry under the USMCA,” said Rep. Valadao. “Our trade agreements only work if they are enforced, and we must use every tool at our disposal to ensure Canada holds up their end of the deal.”