HS Code:
Subheading 0406.90.88 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code pertains to 'Other cheese,' specifically covering certain types of cheese not classified under more specific subheadings within the 0406 category (cheese and curd). This category typically includes specialty or processed cheeses that do not fall under categories like cheddar, blue-veined, or fresh cheese. Products under this subheading are traded globally, often used in culinary applications, food processing, and retail markets.
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
$280 million USD
23.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$150 million USD
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$100 million USD
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
15% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain developing countries to protect local dairy industries)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements such as EU-USMCA or EU-Japan EPA)
Rising demand for specialty cheeses in emerging markets
Increased export opportunities for European producers; higher competition in Asia-Pacific markets
2021-2022
Shift toward plant-based cheese alternatives
Potential reduction in demand for traditional dairy cheeses in developed markets
2020-2022
Sustainability focus in dairy production
Pressure on producers to adopt eco-friendly practices, influencing trade costs and pricing
2019-2022
Post-Brexit trade agreements have introduced new tariff-rate quotas for cheese exports between the EU and UK, affecting products under HS 0406.90.88.
January 2023
Potential delays and increased costs for exporters; slight reduction in trade volume expected in short term.
The United States has agreed to reduce retaliatory tariffs on certain EU cheese categories as part of a broader trade dispute resolution.
March 2022
Boost in EU cheese exports to the US, particularly for specialty products in this category.
Countries like China and South Korea have implemented stricter sanitary requirements for imported dairy, including cheese under this subheading.
July 2022
Increased compliance costs for exporters; potential market access barriers for smaller producers.