Trade Dispute Over Cheese Names Strains US-Europe Relations
The Trump administration is pressuring European nations to allow U.S. companies to market cheeses under traditional names like Feta, Parmesan, and Asiago in international trade deals. This policy aims to protect American producers who have historically used these terms for products made in the U.S., such as the Sartori family of Wisconsin. However, European countries argue that these names are geographical indications protected by law, meaning they can only be applied to cheese produced using specific methods within their borders. Consequently, many nations block American use of these labels, forcing U.S. firms to resort to generic descriptions like 'Italian-style hard cheese' when selling abroad. This ongoing conflict highlights a significant friction point in transatlantic trade relations, pitting American commercial interests against European cultural and legal protections regarding food heritage.
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Trade Dispute Over Cheese Names Strains US-Europe Relations
The Trump administration is pressuring European nations to allow U.S. companies to market cheeses under traditional names like Feta, Parmesan, and Asiago in international trade deals. This policy aims to protect American producers who have historically used these terms for products made in the U.S., such as the Sartori family of Wisconsin. However, European countries argue that these names are geographical indications protected by law, meaning they can only be applied to cheese produced using specific methods within their borders. Consequently, many nations block American use of these labels, forcing U.S. firms to resort to generic descriptions like 'Italian-style hard cheese' when selling abroad. This ongoing conflict highlights a significant friction point in transatlantic trade relations, pitting American commercial interests against European cultural and legal protections regarding food heritage.
WSJ.com: World News