U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer says the U.S. is “ready to go” for USMCA implementation on July 1, but stressed he will be keeping a close eye on Canada to make sure it lives up to its promise for dairy reforms.

Canada agreed in the deal to eliminate its Class 7 dairy pricing system – which U.S. producers say flooded the international market with skim milk powder – but Lighthizer said he is leery.

“If there’s any shading of the benefits of American farmers, we’re going to bring a case against them,” Lighthizer said.

But, but, but: According to the National Milk Producers Federation and the U.S. Dairy Export Council, Canada is already dissing the U.S. by allocating new tariff rate quotas that discourage “high-value” U.S. imports.

Source: AgriMarketing