Statement by Minister Ng on U.S. request for dispute settlement panel on tariff rate quotas for Canadian dairy products under Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement

January 31, 2023 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, today issued the following statement in response to a request by the United States for a dispute settlement panel under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) regarding Canada’s administration of its dairy tariff rate quotas (TRQs):

“Canada is disappointed that the United States has requested a dispute settlement panel.

“We know how important stability and certainty are to our farmers, workers and businesses. We will always work to protect their livelihoods and ensure their success at home and abroad by ensuring that trade rules are implemented as intended.

“Canada will continue to defend our supply management system and the market access that Canada and the United States have agreed on. We will stand firm against attempts to renegotiate agreements during the dispute settlement panel process.

“Let’s remember the hard work that farmers do to feed families across Canada and throughout the world. We will always stand with them.”

Quick facts

• Today’s announcement follows dispute settlement consultations between Canada and the United States that took place on January 17, 2023.
• Under the CUSMA dispute settlement chapter, a panel is automatically established upon receipt of a request.
• Under timelines specified by CUSMA, the parties have approximately 35 days to finalize the composition of a panel.
• Canada expects that the panel will issue its final report and findings approximately 7 to 9 months following its establishment.

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