A progressive step is expected to enhance market access for U.S. dairy producers, signaling a positive trend in dissolving non-tariff barriers, a commitment upheld by the Trump administration.
Under the leadership of U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, Brooke Rollins, the American dairy industry is celebrating a significant milestone as Costa Rica approves the first U.S. dairy facility under a new streamlined approval process. This progressive step is expected to enhance market access for U.S. dairy producers, signaling a positive trend in dissolving non-tariff barriers, a commitment upheld by the Trump administration.
Farmers First: Securing a $130 Million Market
With President Donald Trump’s administration emphasizing the “Farmers First” approach, Rollins lauds the achievement as a crucial victory for American dairy farmers. The newfound market access in Costa Rica opens a $130 million opportunity, paving the way for the U.S. dairy industry to expand its reach. Reflecting on this progress, Rollins expressed optimism about continuing efforts to dismantle trade barriers and unlock global markets for farmers and ranchers.
Streamlined Process: A Win for Collaborative Efforts
On May 22, Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) granted official approval to the first American dairy cooperative for export, making it the inaugural U.S. facility under the reformed, simplified approval process. This development marks a key victory for the ability of U.S. dairies to meet the growing demand in Costa Rica, ensuring relationships and exports are not hindered by outdated processes.
USDA, in collaboration with SENASA, agreed on a streamlined registration protocol for U.S. dairy facilities. This move replaces the previously cumbersome and lengthy registration, which has historically been a hurdle. The successful transition was detailed in a USDA report published on May 23.
“We are proud of supporting the great work of the USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service, Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Trade Representative’s Office to painstakingly reach an understanding with Costa Rica to facilitate the export of high-quality U.S. dairy products,” Harden said.
Gregg Doud, president and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation, highlights the important breakthrough facilitated by USDA and SENASA. The newly simplified process not only solidifies the trade partnership but also capitalizes on the zero-tariff environment beneficial for U.S. dairy exporters.
“Costa Rica is an excellent trading partner, due in major part to the successful U.S.-Central American Free Trade Agreement. This breakthrough between USDA and Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service further cements that relationship and builds on the zero-tariff trading conditions for dairy exporters that began this year,” Doud said.
The successful outcome of this streamlined approval effort is a testament to years of dedication by USDEC’s Market Access and Regulatory Affairs team, in concert with the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service and the Costa Rican authorities. After extensive evaluation, SENASA concluded its review in 2025, approving the first U.S. dairy facility under the new protocol.
Prospects for Future Growth
As Costa Rica’s economy strengthens and its middle class expands, so does its demand for dairy. The improved access for U.S. exporters aligns with the increasing market needs, promising a vibrant future for both U.S. and Costa Rican dairy sectors. This development heralds a promising era for U.S. dairy, where breaking traditional trade barriers refuels the commitment to making agriculture great and global again.
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