No import tax on Gouda and Edam cheese after all

The United States does not introduce an import tax (of 25%) on Gouda and Edam cheese, although there are other types of cheese that are subject to an import tax. Pork and butter from the Netherlands are also on the list published by the United States on Wednesday 2 October.

The United States has October 2 a list published with all products from the European Union that will be subject to an import duty from Friday 18 October. This includes cheese, pork and butter from the Netherlands. It is striking that Edam and Gouda cheese toch have been removed from the list, while comparable German cheeses are subject to a levy.

The decision is a relief for cheese exporters from the Netherlands. This is because the majority of the cheese export to the United States consists of Gouda cheese. An estimated €60 million worth of cheese is sent to the United States (particularly Gouda and Edam) each year. In addition, the country also introduces taxes on French wine, Spanish olive oil and Scotch whiskey, among other things.

Illegal aid
The import duties are a response to European support for the German aircraft manufacturer 'Airbus', which is the equivalent of the American Boeing. The aid would have negatively impacted the United States, according to the World Trade Organization. As a result, the organization has already authorized the United States to impose tariffs on $7,5 billion worth of European goods.

Kimberly Baker

Kimberly Bakker is an all-round editor at Boerenbusiness. She also has an eye for the social media channels of Boerenbusiness.

k.baker @boerenbusiness. Nl

© DCA Market Intelligence. This market information is subject to copyright. It is not permitted to reproduce, distribute, disseminate or make the content available to third parties for compensation, in any form, without the express written permission of DCA Market Intelligence.