Swiss Cheese Exports Plummet 55% Amid US Tariffs, Dairy Industry Slaughtering More Cows
US tariffs have hit Swiss cheese exports hard, causing a 55% drop since August. The dairy industry is feeling the pinch, with milk surplus rising to 5% and farmers advised to slaughter more cows to balance supply.
The Swiss dairy industry is grappling with a significant milk surplus, currently standing at 5%. This is primarily due to high milk production and increased US import tariffs. The tariffs have led to a sharp decline in Swiss cheese exports to the USA, with a 55% drop recorded since August. While other countries' impacts are not specified, the Swiss dairy industry is facing considerable challenges.
In response, the dairy industry organization has released 16 million francs from an emergency fund. This is to support exports of not just cheese, but also butter, cream, chocolate, and other processed foods. However, the situation is serious enough that farmers are being advised to slaughter more dairy cows to balance the milk surplus. It is estimated that around 25,000 cows, about 30% of the annual slaughter rate, should be culled to achieve this. Milk prices in Switzerland are also under significant pressure due to these factors.
The Swiss dairy industry is taking significant steps to address the milk surplus and declining exports. With milk prices under pressure and farmers advised to cull more cows, the industry is working to adapt to the challenges posed by US tariffs and high production.
