IDFA submitted comments last Thursday to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) in preparation for the 2017 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report. Published annually, the report describes the myriad of 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.
To guide the publication’s formation, USTR requested comments from exporters to better assess the degree and breadth of trade barriers they face. Based on input from members, IDFA’s comments referenced the obstacles dairy companies face overseas, such as the overreach of geographical indications by the European Union, protectionist policies on dairy in Canada, price ceilings on infant formula in Vietnam and the de facto ban on U.S. dairy products into India, among others.
“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.
In addition to comments from industry, the report will be 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 the private sector trade advisory committees and U.S. embassies abroad. The report is expected to be published in April 2017.
Last year’s report, which included data on more than 58 countries and trade blocs, can be found here.
For more information, contact Hughes at bhughes@idfa.org.