Fact check: What are the main products affected by Canada's 400% tariffs on US dairy?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, Canada does not actually impose 400% tariffs on US dairy products. The sources consistently show that Canada's dairy tariffs range from approximately 241% to 298%, with specific products facing the following rates:

• Milk: 241-243% tariff ^{[1] [2]}
• Butter: 298% tariff ^{[1] [2] [3]}
• Cheese: 245% tariff ^[2]
• Cream, ice cream, and yogurt: Also subject to high tariffs in the 241-298% range ^[1]

Multiple sources indicate that these tariffs range from 250% to 390% across various dairy products ^[4], but none specifically mention a 400% rate. The main dairy products affected include milk, cheese, butter, cream, ice cream, and yogurt ^{[5] [1]}.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question contains a significant factual error by referencing "400% tariffs" when the actual rates are lower. More importantly, these high tariffs only apply after the US exceeds predetermined tariff-free quotas ^{[2] [6] [7]}.

Critical missing context includes:

• The tariffs are quota-based: High rates only kick in if US dairy exports exceed agreed-upon thresholds under the USMCA ^{[6] [7]}
• US exports rarely approach these quotas: Sources indicate that "US dairy exports have never come close to meeting these quotas" ^[6]
• The tariff system is part of Canada's supply management system: This protects Canadian dairy farmers from foreign competition ^[3]
• Trade disputes are ongoing: There are active USMCA dispute panel proceedings regarding Canada's dairy quota administration practices ^[8]

US dairy producers and trade organizations would benefit from emphasizing the high tariff rates to pressure for trade concessions, while Canadian dairy farmers and their lobby groups benefit from maintaining the current protective system.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains factual inaccuracy by stating "400% tariffs" when no source confirms this specific rate exists. The highest confirmed rate is 298% on butter ^{[1] [2] [3]}. This exaggeration could stem from:

• Political rhetoric: Trade negotiators and politicians may round up or exaggerate tariff rates for dramatic effect
• Conflation of different rates: The questioner may have confused the highest individual product rates with an overall figure
• Outdated information: Tariff rates may have changed over time, though sources suggest consistency in the 241-298% range

The question also omits the crucial quota context, making it appear that all US dairy exports face these punitive rates, when in reality they only apply to exports exceeding negotiated thresholds that are rarely reached ^{[6] [7]}.