New trade deal protects dairy exports and common cheese names
The U.S. dairy industry received a positive boost with a new trade agreement between the United States and Jordan. The agreement, signed on July 21, strengthens trade relations and helps ensure continued access for American dairy products in the Jordanian market.
The deal builds on the long-standing trade relationship between the two countries and includes several measures designed to support dairy exports. One of the key benefits is Jordan's commitment to recognize the U.S. dairy safety system as equivalent to its own. This move is expected to simplify trade procedures and reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens.
The agreement also removes the need for facility registration requirements on U.S. dairy imports. In addition, it protects the use of 40 common cheese names that are widely used in global markets. These include popular products such as parmesan, feta, and asiago. The agreement creates a clearer process for handling geographical indication applications, helping provide certainty for exporters.
Further commitments address import licensing, technical regulations, and sanitary measures. These provisions aim to create predictable and science-based trade rules that support smoother agricultural trade between the two nations.
Shortly after the agreement was announced, the United States introduced new tariffs on imports from several countries under Section 301. These measures replaced earlier tariffs and are focused on addressing concerns related to forced labor enforcement. Goods that comply with USMCA requirements remain exempt from the new duties.
Dairy products were not included in the exemption list for imports entering the United States. Industry groups have argued that maintaining dairy tariffs is important because of ongoing trade imbalances and barriers faced by U.S. dairy exporters in key global markets.
While some trading partners continue to apply tariffs on U.S. products, no major new retaliation measures were announced following the latest U.S. action. Industry leaders remain focused on expanding export opportunities and securing fair market access for American dairy producers.
The Jordan agreement represents another step toward strengthening international dairy trade and creating new growth opportunities for U.S. farmers and exporters.
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