New trade agreements aim to expand market opportunities for US dairy
U.S. dairy leaders are welcoming recently announced trade agreements in Southeast Asia that are expected to expand export opportunities and support continued growth for the dairy sector. The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) praised new agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia and trade frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam.
“With these new agreements, the administration has delivered big wins for America’s dairy farmers,” said Gregg Doud, president and CEO of NMPF. “Agreements like those struck with Malaysia and Cambodia will ensure we have fair access to Southeast Asia’s fast-growing markets. That’s essential so that our farmers and cooperatives can keep doing what they do best – producing top-quality milk and dairy products for families here at home and around the world. We look forward to working closely with the administration as they turn the new frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand into strong deals as well.”
“These agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia open new doors for U.S. dairy exports in two dynamic markets and the frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand offer the promise of more to come,” said Krysta Harden, president and CEO of USDEC. “By removing tariffs, addressing nontariff trade barriers and cutting red tape, the agreements will make it easier for U.S. suppliers to deliver the high-quality dairy ingredients and foods that Southeast Asia’s growing consumers demand. USDEC appreciates the great work of the U.S. negotiating team in securing these important results.”
Under the agreement with Malaysia, nearly all remaining dairy tariffs will be removed. The deal also includes science-based regulatory standards, recognition of U.S. dairy safety practices, improved certification processes, and protection for common cheese names. The agreement with Cambodia will fully eliminate tariffs on U.S. dairy exports and prohibit facility listing requirements.
Meanwhile, the new frameworks with Thailand and Vietnam outline future goals for addressing tariffs and non-tariff barriers. These two countries, along with Malaysia, already represent key markets, with U.S. dairy exports totaling more than $330 million combined last year. Cambodia, while smaller today, is also considered a promising growth market.
Industry leaders stress that these agreements are especially important as other global suppliers, including the European Union, New Zealand and Australia, continue to expand trade relationships in the region. The strengthened market access is expected to help maintain U.S. competitiveness in Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding dairy sector.
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