The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative recently published its 2016 National Trade Estimate Report, outlining barriers to trade and highlighting the work the administration has done to alleviate these obstacles in the largest export markets for the United States. The report covered 58 countries, as well as the European Union, Taiwan, Hong Kong and the Arab League, and included issues of specific importance to the U.S. dairy industry.
Hindrances to dairy imports continue in key markets, such as geographical indications in the EU, supply-management systems in Canada, Japan’s high tariffs on cheese, India’s continued ban on dairy products that derive from animals without a certification of solely non-vegetarian feeds, and Russia’s effective elimination of milk and milk product imports from the United States and much of Europe.
Additionally, the report highlighted efforts by Malaysia and Thailand to restrict the use of brand names or symbols and apply “restrictions on educational, promotional and marketing activities for infant formula products and products for toddlers and young children.” IDFA has been working to ensure industry maintains the right to use these important components of company and brand identity. At the same time, IDFA is also fighting to ensure access by parents, caregivers and healthcare providers to important information about the nutritional benefits of dairy and milk-based foods for toddlers and young children.
Click here to see more...