U.S. Dairy Groups Commend USTR for Spotlighting Trade Barriers in Report

USDEC, NMPF, and CCFN praise administration's efforts to address restrictions facing American dairy exporters.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 2:52am

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A highly polished, geometric metal sculpture in the shape of a cow, placed on a clean white background and dramatically lit to create sharp shadows, symbolizing the abstract concepts of global trade and the importance of dairy exports to the American economy.A sculptural representation of the U.S. dairy industry's fight for global market access, as trade barriers are confronted through diplomatic negotiations.Arlington Today

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), and Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) have commended the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) for highlighting persistent trade barriers facing U.S. dairy exporters in the 2026 National Trade Estimate report. The groups say the administration's work through reciprocal trade negotiations to knock down these barriers is a win for American dairy farmers and producers.

Why it matters

Nearly 16% of U.S. milk production is exported, so trade barriers that restrict access to foreign markets have a direct impact on dairy farmers and the broader industry. The groups view the USTR's efforts to confront these issues as crucial advocacy for the American dairy sector.

The details

The report spotlights barriers such as unnecessary certification requirements, unjustified facility registrations, and the EU's geographical indications agenda that confiscates common food and beverage names. The dairy groups say dismantling these restrictions through trade negotiations will open more markets for U.S. dairy exports.

  • The 2026 National Trade Estimate report was released on April 2, 2026.

The players

U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)

A trade group representing U.S. dairy exporters that works to promote American dairy products globally.

National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF)

A national trade association representing dairy farmers and cooperatives in the United States.

Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN)

An international alliance that advocates for the rights of food and beverage producers to use common names.

Krysta Harden

President and CEO of the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Gregg Doud

President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

Jaime Castaneda

Executive director of the Consortium for Common Food Names.

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What they’re saying

“The inclusion of dairy trade barriers in this report and the Administration's concrete action to address them through reciprocal trade negotiations sends a clear signal that the United States is serious about opening markets for American dairy exporters.”

— Krysta Harden, President and CEO, U.S. Dairy Export Council

“Nearly one in every six pounds of milk produced in America is shipped to a customer overseas. When foreign markets are closed off by bogus restrictions, the pain is felt directly on farms across this country.”

— Gregg Doud, President and CEO, National Milk Producers Federation

“The EU's common name confiscation campaign is one of the most cynical trade tactics in the world today, and we are grateful that this Administration has made confronting it a priority.”

— Jaime Castaneda, Executive Director, Consortium for Common Food Names

What’s next

The Biden administration is expected to continue pursuing reciprocal trade negotiations to address the dairy trade barriers highlighted in the report.

The takeaway

This report and the administration's actions demonstrate a commitment to supporting the American dairy industry by confronting unfair trade practices that restrict access to overseas markets, which is crucial for an industry where nearly 16% of production is exported.