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
As the government shutdown pushes the farm economy closer to the brink, Sens. Grassley and Ernst of Iowa are raising their voices for agriculture.
Considering raising your own replacements instead of buying bred heifers? Three key factors to consider before investing capital.
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) joined us on Wednesday’s Market Day Report to share why Ames is uniquely positioned to support expanded USDA operations.

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:

Producers may need to prepare for margin pressure in livestock feeding, while dairy farmers could benefit from stronger product demand.
Farmers await concrete trade commitments from China. Until then, export prospects for soybeans, corn, and sorghum remain uncertain against strong South American competition.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins today issued a new memorandum to modernize and strengthen America’s wildfire prevention and response system.
Understanding the Big, Beautiful Bill’s complex impact on SNAP benefits – that’s the topic of today’s Firm to Farm blog post by RFD-TV’s legal expert, Roger McEowen.
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said farmers face a challenging year with strong supply, murky trade conditions, and uncertain access to their largest market: China.
RFD-TV Markets Expert Tony St. James breaks down the state of agribusiness and harvest progress across the U.S. for the week of Monday, September 15, 2025.