The EU and US has published a joint statement on transatlantic trade and investment which provides some more detail on the framework trade agreement reached in late July between both sides.

Among the key terms is the intention by the EU to “provide preferential market access for a wide range of US seafood and agricultural goods” with the list of goods including dairy products, fresh and processed fruit and vegetables, and pork.

Notably, there is no mention of US beef being given any preferential or improved market access to the EU.

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On dairy and pork, the joint statement on Thursday, notes that the EU will work to address non-tariff barriers affecting trade, including “streamlining requirements for sanitary certificates for pork and dairy”.

Dairy exports

US dairy exports to the EU have been very small for years, with US Department of Agriculture data showing that in 2024, the total was $167m (€145.5m). In the same year, Ireland alone exported €810m of dairy product to the US.

The largest markets for US diary products are its closest neighbours, with Mexico taking $2.5bn (€2.15bn) and Canada importing $1.2bn(€1.03bn) in 2024.