Mexico granted two quotas for cheese imports to the European Union for a combined amount of 25,000 tons.

This concession was granted as part of the modernization of the Free Trade Agreement between the European Union and Mexico (EU-Mexico FTA).

Quotas for cheese imports

On January 17, 2024, both parties concluded negotiations for the modernization of the EU-Mexico FTA. One part of the changes consists of expanding market access in the agricultural and fisheries sector.

First, Mexico granted a 0% tariff on imports of blue cheese from the European Union. The current corresponding tariff is up to 45 percent.

Blue-veined cheeses, also known as “blue cheeses” (in Italian formaggi erborinati), are distinguished by their streaks or spots of mold in shades of blue, gray or green. Their characteristic aroma comes both from the mold and from bacteria cultivated specifically for their development. These streaks arise from the incorporation of Penicillium roqueforti or Penicillium glaucum during the manufacturing process.

Mexico granted a quota of 5,000 tons for imports of fresh or processed cheeses originating in the European Union at a 0% tariff rate, up from the current rate of up to 45%.

The second quota allows the import of 20,000 tons of “other cheeses”, also with a decrease to 0% in tariffs, from up to 45%.

Some blue cheeses with protected designation of origin certified by the European Union are:

• Roquefort.
• Danablu.
• Cabrales.
• Gorgonzola.
• Blue Stilton.

The protected designation of origin refers to products closely related to the area whose name they bear.

International trade

In 2023, Mexican imports of cheese and cottage cheese originating in the European Union were US$89 million.

The following are the top five origins of Mexican cheese imports in 2023, in millions of dollars, according to World Trade Organization (WTO) data:

• United States: 763.
• Netherlands: 49.
• New Zealand: 26.
• Uruguay: 16.
• Germany: 8.

In its trade with the entire world in 2023, Mexico exported cheese and cottage cheese for a customs value of US$887 million, while its imports totaled US$49 million.