Pending Trade Agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador Expand Opportunities for U.S. Dairy

NMPF’s Alan Bjerga discusses pending trade agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador and how they will benefit U.S. dairy producers and improve overall global competitiveness of U.S. ag products.

WTFCF_S4E3_BTS_3_hickory-hill-milk_bottling-plant.jpg

Where the Food Comes From

WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — Recent international trade developments are creating new revenue opportunities for U.S. dairy producers, as agreements with Indonesia and Ecuador aim to remove barriers and expand market access. Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to provide insight on the impact of these deals for the dairy sector.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Bjerga explained that the agreement with Indonesia eliminates tariffs on all U.S. dairy exports and protects the use of common cheese names, opening the door for increased sales in one of Southeast Asia’s largest dairy markets.

Bjerga noted that Indonesia represents a significant opportunity for U.S. producers, given its growing middle class and rising demand for imported dairy products, since the removal of tariffs is expected to make American cheese, milk powders, and other dairy items more competitive and affordable in that market.

He also highlighted the agreement with Ecuador, which will improve access to a tightly restricted dairy market in South America. For U.S. exporters, this means the potential to increase shipments and establish a stronger foothold in regions where trade barriers have historically limited opportunities.

Looking more broadly, Bjerga said pending trade agreements with other nations could further expand U.S. dairy exports, supporting farm-level growth and helping to stabilize domestic markets through expanded international demand.

Related Stories
Stay alert for trade announcements—especially border reopening timelines, tariff threats, and developments in Brazil’s export flows.
Set targets and use forwards, futures, or options to manage downside while preserving room for rallies.
Bangladesh’s buying surge offers temporary relief for U.S. farmers facing weaker Chinese demand, highlighting how global politics can reshape export outlets overnight.
Rising demand for Comfort Colors t-shirts reinforces the pull for U.S.-grown cotton, linking rural fiber production to a fast-growing mainstream apparel brand.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

“Those could’ve easily been our beans going over there. It goes to show that if that opportunity is there, China would be willing to buy.”
We caught up with Karen Braun, Chief Market Analyst at Zaner Ag Hedge, at the Women in Agribusiness to discuss the data behind commodity trading.
Weston Brown joined us on Monday in the RFD-TV Studios in Nashville to share how he is preparing for the upcoming National FFA Convention & Expo.
Missouri Director of Agriculture Chris Chinn joined us Monday to share highlights from Secretary Brooke Rollins’ visit and her perspective on USDA’s new initiatives.
RFD-TV Farm Legal and Taxation expert, Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, joined us Monday to break down the changes and explain what producers should know.
North Dakota Farmers Union (NDFU) President Mark Watne joined us Monday to share his perspective on the America First Trade Promotion Program and potential implications for producers.