IDFA submitted comments this week to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in preparation for the 2018 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. Published annually, the report lists the many tariff and non-tariff barriers, like protective measures and technical obstacles to trade, that U.S. companies face around the world, as well as positive steps taken to alleviate them.

“By compiling a comprehensive review of barriers to trade, U.S. policymakers can work more effectively to resolve the issues of importance to dairy exporters,” said Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs.  

Based on input from members, IDFA’s comments referenced obstacles dairy companies face overseas, Canada’s implementation of protectionist pricing policies for dairy, the European Union’s attempts to restrict the use of common food names using geographical indications, India’s de facto ban on U.S. dairy products and other restrictions to trade in Indonesia, Korea and Russia.

Read IDFA’s comments here.

The annual report is based on information compiled within USTR, the Departments of Commerce and Agriculture, and other U.S. government agencies, as well as information provided by members of private sector trade advisory committees and U.S. embassies abroad. 

The report is expected to be published next spring.

Last year’s report, which included data on more than 60 countries and trade blocs, can be found here.

For more information, contact Hughes at bhughes@idfa.org.