Is it parmesan-style or Parmesano? Mexico-US trade talks hit snag over cheese names
Are popular cheeses like feta and manchego generic or region-specific? Mexico has already agreed with the EU that the latter is the case, which the U.S. claims threatens its US $2 billion worth of cheese exports to Mexico. The post Is it parmesan-style or Parmesano? Mexico-US trade talks hit snag over cheese names appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Mexico and the United States are facing challenges in their ongoing trade talks after a dispute arose over cheese naming conventions. The root of the issue can be traced back to a trade agreement signed between Mexico and the European Union (EU) in May. This agreement grants the EU special protections for hundreds of European products, including cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano, Feta, and Manchego, which are tied to specific regions.
The EU also has the legal right to take action against any breaches of these protections. Manchego, a beloved cheese in Mexico, is produced in the La Mancha region; however, many are unaware that its name translates to "from La Mancha." Mexico has committed to respecting the regional identity of manchego cheese, which may lead to labeling requirements for manchego-style cheeses not originating from the La Mancha region.
(Wilson Tovar/Unsplash) U.S. officials argue that these protections could limit future sales by U.S. producers of cheeses such as parmesan and feta, compelling them to use terms like "imitation" or "style." The U.S. government maintains that these names are generic, while the EU contends that they should only be used for products produced in the region for which they are named.
Jaime Castañeda, executive vice president of the U.S. Dairy Export Council, firmly stated that Mexico's actions were "completely wrong" and that the Mexican government must ensure both U.S. and Mexican manufacturers can continue to operate in the market. U.S. negotiators are urging Mexico to amend its deal with the EU, which has not yet been approved by the Senate.
Meanwhile, the European Commission insists that the terms of the agreement cannot be altered. Mexico, one of the world's top cheese consumers, imports around $1 billion worth of cheese from the U.S. annually, whereas EU dairy exports to Mexico total only $200 million. The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), based in Washington, D.C., regards the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade deal (USMCA) as dairy's most crucial trade agreement.
The IDFA asserts that the U.S. dairy industry, which supports over 3 million jobs and contributes $779 billion to the U.S. economy, relies on access to global markets to maintain growth and generate new opportunities for farmers and processors. U.S. negotiators are leveraging the USMCA to compel Mexico to adhere to their demands.
However, critics contend that the conflict with the EU accord, coupled with the introduction of lower-quality U.S. cheeses, may undermine local production.
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