Canadian manufacturers of protein powders could be forced to raise prices under Canada’s new counter-tariffs that take effect on Sept. 8, according to a Quebec-based retailer. Philippe-Antoine Defoy, owner and president of Popeye’s Supplements for Eastern Canada, says about 80 per cent of the products on his shelves are manufactured here at home. But many of those Canadian-made products rely on a key raw ingredient that is often sourced from the United States like whey. “It’s really putting our Canadian manufacturer at a disadvantage,” said Defoy. As the trade war continues, the federal government is imposing 50 per cent counter-tariffs on a range of American goods, including whey. Defoy says a finished protein product made entirely in the U.S. would not be subject to counter-tariffs, even if it contains American whey. Meanwhile, a Canadian manufacturer that imports American whey, will get hit with counter-tariffs. That means, when those protein powders are ready to be put on the shelves, Canadian suppliers could be forced to either eat the extra cost or raise prices. “I would say maybe $20 to $30 more,” said Defoy. He adds that whey is in demand and prices have only gone up. Amid the uncertainty, he says he has had several conversations with Canadian manufacturers, and many will be relying on pre-tariff stocks while others will be sourcing their whey from Europe or New Zealand. While Defoy supports Canada’s response to the trade war, he admits the ripple effects are hard to predict. “We don’t know what’s going to happen […] it’s quite worrying,” he said.
