Halloumi excluded from new EU-Australia trade agreement

The European Union has signed a major trade agreement with Australia aimed at eliminating tariffs on nearly all goods, with projections estimating a 30% increase in bilateral trade over the next decade. While products like Agros rose water, zivania, Geroskipou delight, and ouzo were included in the agreement, halloumi was notably absent. European Commission spokesperson Olof Gill clarified that halloumi was omitted because it did not hold EU protected status at the time the initial list of geographical indications was compiled in 2019. Halloumi only received its protected designation of origin (PDO) status within the EU in 2021. The agreement, finalized after eight years of negotiations, includes provisions that allow parties to amend the list to include additional geographical indications in the future. Cypriot authorities are currently exploring alternatives to ensure the product's protection in foreign markets. This deal represents the third trade agreement signed by the Commission this year as part of efforts to diversify partnerships amid shifting global trade policies.