HS Code:
Gjetost, also known as Brunost, is a traditional Norwegian cheese made from a mixture of cow's and goat's milk. It is characterized by its distinctive brown color and sweet, caramel-like flavor, resulting from the caramelization of lactose during production. Classified under HS Code 0406.90 (Other cheeses), Gjetost is a niche dairy product with a limited but dedicated global market, primarily centered in Scandinavian countries and regions with significant Norwegian diaspora. Its trade is influenced by cultural preferences, limited production capacity, and strict dairy import regulations in many countries.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $15 million USD
Data from 2022
Source
International Trade Centre (ITC) Trade Map and UN Comtrade Database
$10 million USD
66.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$2 million USD
13.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$1.5 million USD
10.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$0.8 million USD
5.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$0.5 million USD
3.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
15% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain non-EU countries with dairy protection policies)
Lowest Rate
0% (under EU-Norway trade agreements and specific free trade zones)
Growing interest in artisanal and specialty cheeses
Increased demand in niche markets like the US and Canada, driven by food enthusiasts and Scandinavian cultural events, boosting export potential for Gjetost.
2021-2022
Rising dairy production costs in Norway
Higher production costs due to labor and feed prices have led to increased export prices, potentially reducing competitiveness in price-sensitive markets.
2022
Shift toward plant-based alternatives
Emerging vegan cheese alternatives may pose a long-term threat to traditional dairy products like Gjetost, particularly among younger consumers.
2020-2022
Negotiations between the EU and Norway have resulted in reduced tariffs for certain dairy products, including Gjetost, under a revised trade agreement to promote cultural food exchanges.
March 2023
Expected to increase Gjetost exports to EU countries by 5-10% over the next two years, particularly in Sweden and Denmark.
The United States adjusted its import quotas for specialty cheeses, allocating a small increase for Norwegian cheeses like Gjetost to meet growing demand in ethnic food markets.
January 2023
Likely to result in a moderate increase in US imports, strengthening market presence among Norwegian-American communities.
Several Asia-Pacific countries introduced stricter dairy import regulations, requiring additional certifications for products like Gjetost, which has slowed export growth to the region.
September 2022
Reduced market access in emerging economies, prompting Norwegian exporters to focus on established markets in Europe and North America.