Cheese name dispute adds tension to U.S.-Mexico trade negotiations

Two anonymous Mexican government sources say the recently signed Mexico-EU agreement, which extends special protections to hundreds of European products, is now a point of contention in U.S.-Mexico trade discussions. Washington contends the pact would prevent U.S. dairy producers from marketing cheeses under names like parmesan and feta, which the United States treats as generic, whereas the EU argues those names should be limited to their traditional origins.

Jaime Castaneda of the U.S. Dairy Export Council called the Mexican action "absolutely wrong" and urged safeguards for U.S. and Mexican manufacturers. While the Mexico-EU treaty awaits ratification by Mexican lawmakers, the European Commission has noted the U.S. opposition but said the agreement's terms cannot be altered. The dispute comes amid broader negotiations for an interim trade deal and the renewal of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a cornerstone of Mexico's economy.