HS Code:
Subheading 0406.90.97 of the Harmonized System (HS) Code pertains to 'Other cheese,' not elsewhere specified or included, often encompassing specialty or processed cheeses that do not fall under specific cheese categories like Cheddar or Blue-veined. This category includes a variety of cheeses that may be subject to different trade regulations and tariffs based on their composition, origin, and intended use. Products under this subheading are significant in international dairy trade, often driven by consumer demand for unique or artisanal cheese varieties.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 300 million
25% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 250 million
21% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 200 million
17% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 150 million
12% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 100 million
8% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
20% ad valorem
Highest Rate
35% (applied by certain countries with protective dairy policies)
Lowest Rate
0% (under specific free trade agreements like EU-USMCA)
Rising demand for specialty cheeses
Increased exports from European countries with strong cheese-making traditions, driving up trade volumes in this category.
2021-2022
Shift towards plant-based cheese alternatives
Potential reduction in traditional cheese trade as consumers opt for vegan alternatives, though this category remains strong due to niche markets.
2022
Sustainability concerns in dairy production
Growing preference for sustainably produced cheeses, influencing trade patterns towards countries with eco-friendly practices.
2020-2022
New trade agreement has led to revised tariff schedules for cheese products under HS 0406.90.97, with temporary quotas to protect domestic markets.
January 2021
Initial disruptions in trade flow between the UK and EU, but stabilization expected by 2023 with adjusted quotas.
The United States imposed additional tariffs on certain European cheeses as part of a trade dispute over aircraft subsidies, affecting products in this category.
October 2019 (updated 2022)
Reduced export competitiveness for European cheeses in the US market, prompting exporters to seek alternative markets like Asia.
Stricter sanitary and phytosanitary regulations in key importing countries have raised compliance costs for exporters of cheese under this subheading.
Mid-2022
Smaller exporters face challenges in meeting standards, potentially consolidating market share among larger, well-equipped producers.