The Trump administration this week challenged retaliatory tariffs imposed by five U.S. trading partners by filing a dispute with the World Trade Organization (WTO). The move is latest escalation in trade tensions between the United States and countries with important markets for dairy, which began when America imposed steel and aluminum tariffs in April.

U.S. trade officials said that new tariffs imposed by China, the European Union, Canada, Mexico and Turkey on American goods are not in line with WTO rules. Dairy products appear on the retaliatory duties lists from Mexico, Canada and China, which are the top three export markets for domestic dairy. The countries combined represent almost 47 percent of the dollar value of U.S. dairy exports last year.

Eight countries have already filed WTO cases against the United States’ steel and aluminum tariffs. Disputes within the WTO can take at least a year to conclude and the following appeals process can prolong the case for several years.

IDFA is monitoring these cases and will update members on any actions taken that could affect U.S. dairy.

For more information, contact Beth Hughes, senior director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.