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SITCSection 0
U.S. imports of processed cheese, not grated or powdered (SITC 02420) totaled $6.4M in April 2026, traded with 34 countries.
Importers of Processed Cheese, Not Grated or Powdered paid $1.1M in duties in April 2026 — an effective duty rate of 17% on $6.3M in dutiable value, based on actual customs collections rather than the published tariff schedule. Processed Cheese, Not Grated or Powdered imports of $6.4M in April 2026 ran 13% above the year-to-date monthly average of $5.7M.
Last updated: April 2026 dataProcessed cheese — manufactured by blending natural cheeses with emulsifying salts and heat treatment — occupies a distinct regulatory and commercial space from natural cheese, and its classification as 'processed' rather than a natural variety is a frequent point of customs scrutiny. The product serves the foodservice and retail sectors in formats such as slices, loaves, and spreads, where melt consistency and extended shelf life are valued. All imported processed cheese products require USDA FSIS admissibility clearance from an approved foreign establishment before release. Importers should be aware that added ingredients such as vegetable fats or non-dairy proteins can shift classification out of this heading entirely.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Processed cheese is produced by melting and blending one or more natural cheeses with emulsifying salts, and often with added dairy or non-dairy ingredients, to achieve a uniform, stable product. If non-dairy fats or proteins are added beyond permitted thresholds, the product may be reclassified as a cheese analog or food preparation rather than processed cheese, changing both the HTS heading and applicable duty.
USDA FSIS has jurisdiction over imported processed cheese products. Shipments must originate from an FSIS-approved foreign establishment, be accompanied by a government health certificate, and are subject to reinspection at the US port of entry. Classification as a food preparation rather than cheese could shift oversight to FDA instead.
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| Country | Imports | Exports | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAUDI ARABIA | $5K | $2.1M | +$2.1M |
| FRANCE | $2.1M | -- | -$2.1M |
| MOROCCO | $1.8M | -- | -$1.8M |
| KOREA, SOUTH | $20K | $1.5M | +$1.5M |
| NETHERLANDS | $812K | -- | -$812K |
Monthly import values over time