NMPF Backs New Senate Legislation to Impose Tariffs on Milk Protein Imports
September 4, 2009
NMPF Backs New Senate Legislation to Impose Tariffs on Milk Protein Imports
At the beginning of August, NMPF endorsed new Senate legislation, S. 1542, to impose tariffs on imports of Milk Protein Concentrate (MPC), casein, and caseinates.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) introduced legislation called the Milk Import Tariff Equity Act, which would create tariff-rate quotas on foreign dairy proteins that currently come into the U.S. in unlimited quantities. Since 2001, NMPF has supported the passage of the MITEA in order to close a loophole in the U.S. dairy sector allowing certain dairy proteins, such as MPC and caseins, to enter the U.S. and disrupt farm-level prices.
The legislation contains language directing the U.S. government to ensure that the new TRQs are consistent with the U.S.'s World Trade Organization commitments. The tariff rates would be consistent with existing U.S. tariffs on similar products, such as nonfat dry milk.
