After more than a week of meetings in Maui, Hawaii, the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) ministers and chief negotiators reported last week that they made significant progress, but work continues to resolve a few remaining issues. IDFA continues to support the TPP, an agreement among 12 countries that would open new trade opportunities for dairy companies in the Asia-Pacific region.

“The progress made this week reflects our longstanding commitment to deliver an ambitious, comprehensive and high-standard TPP agreement that will support jobs and economic growth across the Asia Pacific region,” said the ministers in a joint statement. “In this last stage of negotiations, we are more confident than ever that TPP is within reach.”

IDFA continues to seek maximum market access for all U.S. dairy product exports across all tariff lines in the TPP negotiations. Throughout the TPP discussions, IDFA has met with top U.S. government trade negotiators and briefed members of Congress on the importance TPP’s provisions to dairy.

“The team from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative understands the importance of getting the best deal for the U.S. dairy industry,” said Clay Hough, IDFA senior group vice president. “We look forward to the conclusion of a successful trade agreement and are confident that these painstaking negotiations will support our continued growth in dairy exports.”

In addition to the United States, the agreement includes Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.

For more information regarding TPP and trade, contact Hough at chough@idfa.org.