During their visit to the United Kingdom, the U.S. dairy delegation engaged directly with influential policymakers. They also undertook visits to local dairy farms, using these opportunities to underscore the mutual benefits that could arise from increased imports of U.S. dairy products. This outreach sought to build understanding and support for a more open trade environment, showcasing the quality and competitive advantages of American dairy in the UK market.

The mission then shifted to Brussels, where the NMPF and USDEC representatives held significant discussions with high-ranking EU officials, including the EU Agriculture Commissioner. A central point of contention was the urgent need for the European Union to align its trade regulations with established World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. This alignment, they argued, is essential to foster truly fair competition and create a level playing field for all participants in the international dairy trade.

A critical focus of the U.S. delegation’s advocacy was the substantial $3 billion dairy trade deficit that currently exists with the European Union. The NMPF explicitly attributed a large portion of this imbalance to what it termed “excessive non-tariff and tariff restrictions” imposed by the EU. U.S. dairy leaders pressed for the implementation of streamlined, science-based policies that would genuinely support balanced trade growth, ensuring equitable market opportunities for dairy producers on both sides of the Atlantic.