HS Code:
The category under Harmonized System (HS) subheadings 0406.10.78, 0406.20.87, 0406.30.87, 0406.90.94, and 1901.90.36 primarily includes certain types of cheese and cheese products, as well as specific dairy-based food preparations. Subheading 0406 covers cheese and curd, with specific classifications for fresh cheese (0406.10), grated or powdered cheese (0406.20), processed cheese (0406.30), and other cheeses (0406.90). Subheading 1901.90.36 includes food preparations of dairy origin not elsewhere specified. These products are critical in the global food trade, often subject to strict regulations due to health standards, agricultural policies, and cultural dietary preferences.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $30 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database and World Trade Organization (WTO) Statistics
$4.5 billion USD
15% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$3.8 billion USD
12.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$3.2 billion USD
10.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$2.9 billion USD
9.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$2.5 billion USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
Average Rate
20% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain countries under quota restrictions)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for specialty and organic cheeses
Increased export opportunities for countries with niche cheese varieties; higher prices for premium products
2021-2023
Shift towards plant-based cheese alternatives
Potential reduction in traditional dairy cheese trade volume in developed markets; competition for dairy exporters
2020-2023
Growth in emerging markets
Increased imports in Asia and Africa due to changing dietary habits and urbanization
2019-2023
The European Union and the United States agreed to reduce tariffs on certain cheese categories under a limited quota system to ease trade tensions.
March 2023
Expected to boost EU cheese exports to the US by 5-10% annually.
New Zealand negotiated an increase in cheese export quotas to the EU market as part of post-Brexit trade adjustments.
October 2022
Strengthens New Zealand's position in the European dairy market.
Several Asian countries have introduced stricter sanitary regulations for imported dairy products, including cheese, citing health concerns.
January 2023
Potential delays and increased compliance costs for exporters targeting Asian markets.