President Trump threatens Gouda and Edam cheese with new import tariffs
Gouda and Edam cheese are included alongside wine, helicopters and cars on a list of goods which US president Donald Trump is considering subjecting to new import taxes.
The US is the ninth most important destination for Dutch cheese exports, accounting for €85m in 2016, according to the most recent figures from national statistics agency CBS.
The list has been drawn up in retaliation for European support for Airbus, which is a main competitor to US company Boeing. Other items on the list which could impact on the Netherlands include yoghurt and fruit juices.
Gouda and Edammer cheese are not protected names and the cheese styles are also widely made in Germany and the US itself.
Nevertheless, Gouda and Edam account for some 50% of the 700 tonnes of cheese produced in the Netherlands each year.
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