Dairy Processors Welcome Agreement With Mexico
US - The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) hailed yesterday's announcement by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) that a formal agreement on a pilot cross-border trucking programme between Mexico and the United States has been signed. The agreement will reduce 50 per cent of the tariffs imposed by Mexico on US cheese exports.
7 July 2011
1 minute read
The tariffs have been in place since last year as a result of the United States' failure to comply with the trucking provisions of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). In April IDFA submitted comments to DOT supporting the trucking program that was signed today.
"We commend the administration for reaching this agreement that will pave the way for an immediate 50 per cent reduction in Mexico's retaliatory tariffs on several dairy products," said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president. "Mexico is our largest export market, so it's important that this agreement moves forward in order for the trucking program to become permanent and the remaining 50 per cent of the tariffs to be removed."
Under the terms of the agreement, Mexico has agreed to remove the remaining 50 per cent of the tariffs when the pilot programme becomes permanent. Mexico is by far the largest export market for US dairy products, with over $325 million in exports this year. However, the tariffs have threatened US market share for several popular cheeses, including parmesan, cheddar, colby, Monterrey Jack and provolone, among others.
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