Dairy Organizations Urge Intensified Negotiations to Restore Trade Flows

Dairy Organizations Call for Swift Action

The National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) have expressed their concerns over recent retaliatory measures announced by Mexico, Canada, and China. These measures come in response to tariffs introduced by the United States, which the President justifies as necessary to tackle the opioid crisis.

Statements from Industry Leaders

"The President believes tariffs are necessary to address the opioid crisis in the United States. We urge Mexico and Canada to take U.S. concerns seriously," said Gregg Doud, President and CEO of NMPF. "Mexico and Canada are valuable trading partners that American agriculture depends on, and trade with those countries is critical to the well-being of dairy farmers," Doud added. He emphasized the need for quick resolution of concerns to focus on strengthening trade relationships.

Krysta Harden, President and CEO of USDEC, remarked, "Exports are fundamental to the health of the U.S. dairy industry. One day’s worth of milk production out of every six is destined for international consumers and U.S. dairy sales to Mexico, Canada, and China account for 51% of our total global exports. That’s a lot at stake." Harden further urged for intensified efforts at the negotiating table to address U.S. national security concerns while maintaining vital export flows.