European dairy exports on track for records, but growth potential remains, claims EDA

29 Sep 2017 --- Two weeks after the publication of the update and implementation report of the European Commission’s “Trade for All” strategy, EU Commissioner for Trade Ms. Cecilia Malmström joins the European Dairy Association (EDA) European Dairy Platform today to discuss the global trade perspectives of the EU dairy sector.

The EDA represents the interests of dairy processors in the EU. The membership of the EDA consists of the associations of dairy processors in the EU Member States.

“EU Commissioner Cecilia Malmström has really created a new momentum in the global trade landscape and the EU leadership in global trade policies was underlined by EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker in his ‘State of the Union’ speech two weeks ago,” says EDA President Michel Nalet.

At the same time, Nalet believes that the “diplomatic missions” of EU Commissioner Phil Hogan really help to boost exports. Today, European dairy exports are on track for records, but there is still a big potential for further growth, Nalet adds.

“After Canada, the Japan trade deal is basically sealed – both destinations open real new market opportunities for our premium dairy products. We are keen on seeing Singapore and Vietnam following,” Nalet adds. “The progress made with Mercosur and with Mexico is impressive and we also count on a constructive update of the Chile agreement and speedy progress with Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Thailand, to name a few,” says Nalet.

On the other hand, Nalet believes that when it comes to trade negotiations with New Zealand, everyone has to make sure that what Brussels tends to call “EU agricultural sensitivities” is really taken into account by the negotiations. 

“To make it very clear: we are not afraid of competing with New Zealand dairy, but we need a level playing field, especially in China and South-East Asian markets, where NZ has already concluded free trade agreements,” Nalet adds.
 
“To quote the EU Commission: ‘our trade policies must secure a level playing field for EU companies,’” concludes Nalet.