U.S. Dairy Exports Improve in February

Cheese and NDM/SMP make a good showing.

Global markets remain weak, but U.S. cheese and milk powder exporters posted better sales in February after a poor January.

Cheese exports were 29,578 tons, up 38 percent from January (on a daily-average basis), and down just 5 percent from a year ago (see graph). This was the best figure since last June (daily average). Shipments to our two largest markets – Mexico (+23 percent vs. last year) and South Korea (+24 percent) – were higher during the month.

Shipments of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) were 35,610 tons, up 13 percent from January (daily average) and down just 2 percent from a year ago. Sales to Mexico were up 34 percent from last year, and new sales of 2,770 tons went to Pakistan.

Export volumes of most other major products were above January on a daily-average basis, but below last year’s pace.

To utilize interactive charts with current and historical trade data, see usdec.org's page on U.S. export data.

To download a printable pdf report that includes static charts showing monthly volume of other products, click here.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff that builds on collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to build global demand for U.S. dairy products.