Despite the strength of U.S. dairy exports, American dairy companies still face significant obstacles in markets around the world through tariffs, quotas and unfair regulatory restrictions, among other non-tariff barriers. To identify and aggregate these impediments to U.S. exporters across sectors and regions, the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative publishes annually its National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers.

As part of the publication process for 2017, USTR has requested public comments to “assist it in identifying significant barriers to U.S. exports of goods, services and U.S. foreign direct investment.” IDFA will submit comments on behalf of member companies prior to the October 27 deadline.

Members that have encountered barriers to entry while exporting dairy products should contact Beth Hughes, IDFA director of international affairs, at bhughes@idfa.org.

The 2016 National Trade Estimate Report was published in April, and IDFA’s summary of the report is available here.