By Jamie Martin
The U.S. dairy industry is celebrating new trade policy developments that aim to expand export opportunities in several Southeast Asian markets. National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) leaders praised recently announced agreements with Malaysia and Cambodia, along with progress on 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.”
The agreement with Malaysia removes nearly all remaining tariffs on U.S. dairy products and strengthens science-based regulatory cooperation. It also protects the use of common cheese names and simplifies facility registration and product certification. Cambodia’s agreement delivers similar benefits, including full tariff elimination and a ban on facility listing requirements.
The trade frameworks with Vietnam and Thailand offer outlines for future negotiation and are expected to address both tariff and procedural barriers. These countries already rank as important export destinations, collectively purchasing hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. dairy products in the past year.
Industry leaders noted that the new agreements are especially timely as the European Union, New Zealand and Australia continue to grow their influence in the region. Maintaining competitive access is viewed as essential for supporting U.S. dairy growth, farmer income, and cooperative network strength.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-r-j-seymour
Categories: National