HS Code:
The category under HS Code subheadings 0406.10.08, 0406.10.88, 0406.20.91, 0406.30.91, and 0406.90.97 pertains to various types of cheese and curd. This includes fresh (unripened or uncured) cheese, grated or powdered cheese, processed cheese, and other cheese products not elsewhere specified. These products are significant in the global dairy market, often used in food processing, retail, and culinary applications across diverse cuisines.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $35 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$5.2 billion USD
14.9% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$4.8 billion USD
13.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$4.5 billion USD
12.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$3.9 billion USD
11.1% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.7 billion USD
7.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
Average Rate
20% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local dairy industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA or within the EU single market)
Rising demand for specialty and organic cheeses
Increased exports from countries with strong artisanal cheese traditions like France and Italy, alongside higher price premiums
2021-2022
Growth in plant-based cheese alternatives
Potential competition for traditional cheese markets, particularly in developed economies with high vegan and lactose-intolerant populations
2022
Supply chain disruptions due to geopolitical tensions
Trade barriers and sanctions affecting cheese exports, notably in markets like Russia post-2014 and ongoing Ukraine conflict impacts
2022
The EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement has introduced new customs checks and tariffs on cheese exports, impacting trade flows between the UK and major EU cheese exporters like the Netherlands and France.
January 2021 onwards
Increased costs and delays for UK importers, slight reduction in EU cheese market share in the UK
As part of resolving the Airbus-Boeing trade dispute, the US suspended retaliatory tariffs on certain EU cheese products, benefiting exporters from France and Italy.
March 2021
Boosted EU cheese exports to the US by approximately 10% in 2022 compared to previous years under tariff regimes
New EU regulations under the Green Deal impose stricter environmental standards on dairy production, including cheese, affecting production costs and export competitiveness.
Implemented progressively from 2022
Potential cost increases for EU exporters, but also a marketing advantage in sustainability-conscious markets