HS Code:
The category of Romano made from cow's milk, Reggiano, Parmesan, Provolone, Provoletti, Sbrinz, and Goya cheeses falls under HS Code 0406.90, which covers specific hard and semi-hard cheeses. These cheeses are renowned for their distinct flavors, textures, and culinary uses, often associated with Italian and Swiss culinary traditions. Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) and Romano are particularly notable for their Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring production in specific regions under strict guidelines. Provolone and its variants like Provoletti are popular for both table consumption and cooking, while Sbrinz, a Swiss cheese, and Goya, an Argentine variant, reflect regional diversity within this category. These cheeses are traded globally due to high demand in culinary markets, especially in Europe and North America.
Total Trade Volume
Approximately $3.5 billion USD
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database, International Trade Centre (ITC)
$1.8 billion USD
51.4% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$450 million USD
12.9% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$300 million USD
8.6% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
$250 million USD
7.1% of total trade of total trade
Stable
$200 million USD
5.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
15.3% 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 EU-Mercosur for specific quotas)
Growing demand for authentic PDO cheeses
Increased exports from Italy for Parmigiano-Reggiano and Romano, with consumers prioritizing quality and origin
2021-2022
Rise in plant-based cheese alternatives
Slight competition for traditional cheeses in health-conscious markets, though niche impact on hard cheeses like Parmesan
2022
Expansion of e-commerce for specialty foods
Smaller producers of Provolone and Sbrinz gain access to international markets through online platforms
2020-2022
Post-Brexit trade deal includes specific quotas for PDO cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano, reducing tariff barriers for Italian exporters to the UK.
January 2023
Expected to boost Italian cheese exports to the UK by 10-15% over the next two years.
The US Trade Representative reviewed retaliatory tariffs on EU dairy products, including Parmesan, reducing rates from 25% to 15% as part of WTO dispute resolutions.
March 2022
Improved market access for Italian and Swiss cheese exporters to the US, increasing trade volume.
Argentina launched a promotional campaign to increase Goya cheese exports to North America and Asia, supported by government subsidies.
June 2023
Likely to enhance Argentina's share in the global market, especially in price-sensitive regions.