The estimated economic loss to U.S. dairy producers due to Mexico’s retaliatory tariffs is around $578 million. Cheese exports to Mexico have plummeted with their 10 to 15-percent tariff on various U.S. cheeses on June 5, which was raised to 20 to 25-percent on July 5. South Dakota Dairy Producers Association President Marv Post says the trade war includes several countries and various dairy products, but it is hitting all facets of U.S. agriculture.
He says U.S. dairy producers and many other farmers are already dealing with a depressed ag economy and the tariffs just make it worse.
Post says the trade war needs to be settled so U.S. dairy producers and the entire ag industry don’t have to deal with the uncertainty and market losses.
U.S. dairy exports totaled $5.5 billion last year, with top customer Mexico at $1.3 billion alone and China at $577 million.
