A dispute over cheese names is becoming a sticking point in U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations, with billions of dollars in dairy exports potentially at stake.
Reuters reports the U.S. is objecting to Mexico’s new trade agreement with the European Union, which extends protections to hundreds of European products, including Parmigiano Reggiano, feta, and Manchego.
U.S. officials argue those names are generic and should remain available to American producers.
The European Union says certain names should be reserved for products from specific regions.
Jaime Castaneda of the U.S. Dairy Export Council says Mexico must ensure American dairy companies can continue selling cheeses using common names.
The dispute comes as the U.S. and Mexico negotiate an interim trade agreement while also discussing renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Mexico has become a billion-dollar market for U.S. cheese, making the issue especially important to American dairy exporters.
