HS Code:
Subheading 0406.10.58 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code pertains to fresh (unripened or uncured) cheese, including whey cheese, and curd, not elsewhere specified or included, with a butterfat content exceeding 3% by weight. This category typically includes products like cottage cheese or other soft, fresh cheeses that do not fall under more specific cheese classifications. These products are widely consumed globally and are significant in dairy trade due to their versatility in culinary applications and relatively short shelf life, necessitating efficient supply chains.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $1.2 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
$320 million USD
26.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
20.8% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$180 million USD
15.0% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$90 million USD
7.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
15.2% 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)
Growing demand for organic and natural cheese products
Increased export opportunities for countries with stringent organic certification standards, such as Germany and the Netherlands
2021-2022
Rise in plant-based cheese alternatives
Potential competition for traditional fresh cheese, leading to slower growth in certain markets
2022
Expansion of cold chain logistics
Enhanced ability to export fresh cheese to distant markets, boosting trade volumes for countries like the US and France
2020-2022
The EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement reduced tariffs on fresh cheese imports to Japan, benefiting key exporters like Italy and France.
January 2023
Increased market access for European fresh cheese, with an expected rise in trade volume by 10% over the next two years.
Updated dairy provisions under the USMCA agreement have eased restrictions on US fresh cheese exports to Canada and Mexico.
July 2022
Strengthened US position in North American markets, with a projected 5% increase in export volume.
Stricter sanitary regulations in Southeast Asian countries have led to temporary bans on certain fresh cheese imports from Europe.
March 2023
Short-term decline in export volumes to the region, prompting exporters to invest in compliance measures.