The equivalent of one day of total U.S. milk production per month now goes to Southeast Asia.

U.S. dairy exports to China have been hit hard by several rounds of retaliatory tariffs. Fortunately, the checkoff-funded U.S. Dairy Export Council has been working tirelessly in other markets around the world.

Those efforts led to a record-setting 2018, with one of the most powerful drivers Southeast Asia, where export sales increased 12% from the previous year.

What does this mean for U.S. dairy farmers?

The equivalent of one day of total U.S. milk production per month now goes to Southeast Asia.

A new infographic showcases this success story with data and pictures for the U.S. dairy industry to save, download, print, amplify and share both online and offline. 

To get a shareable image file, right click image below and "save as" on most browsers.  

Population growth in Southeast Asia

As the chart from Worldometers shows, Southeast Asia’s growing population now exceeds 660 million.

That's nearly double the U.S. population. 

Looking ahead to 2050, the countries geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia will continue to grow, with 142 million more mouths to feed, according to one projection. 

Partnerships driving results

USDEC and its member companies have been cultivating this growth market for years

For example, last year USDEC signed a partnership agreement with the influential Food Innovation and Resource Center (FIRC) at Singapore Polytechnic. It was renewed this year. 

For the second year in a row, USDEC was the official dairy partner of The World Gourmet Summit (WGS), which took place in Singapore April 1 to May 12. USDEC held a series of activities that elevated the visibility of U.S. cheese and educated attendees about U.S. craftsmanship, variety, versatility and innovation potential.

The efforts of USDEC and its members companies are paying off.

Last year, U.S. dairy exports to Southeast Asia increased to $771 million, making it the industry's second largest export market, behind only Mexico. 

Diversification strategy

China, the world's most populous  country, with 1.4 billion mouths to feed, remains a vital part of USDEC's long-term strategic plan. But as Southeast Asia demonstrates, diversification brings strength and resilience. 

"Resolving the China trade dispute may take awhile," said USDEC President and CEO Tom Vilsack. "By taking a diverse geographic and product approach to marketing and promotion, we hope to provide opportunities for our member companies to pivot to alternate markets in a rapid and seamless manner."

"U.S. suppliers are already doing yeoman’s work finding alternate new homes for U.S. dairy products, and USDEC has been actively supporting those efforts in Southeast Asia and around the world."

Mark O'Keefe is vice president of editorial services at the U.S. Dairy Export Council.

Learn more:

• (10 Photos) U.S. Cheese Wows Attendees at Singapore's World Gourmet Summit
• Tariffs as High as 45% Inflict Risk on Chinese Food Companies, Pain on U.S. Dairy Farmers
• 7 Things Farmers Need to Know About Their Investment in Exports
• Tariffs Won't Slow U.S. Dairy's Pursuit of Ambitious Export Goal (video)
• (VIDEO) 650 Million Reasons for U.S. Dairy's Long-Term Investment in Southeast Asia
• U.S. Dairy Demonstrates Commitment to Southeast Asia with Singapore Innovation Partnership

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The U.S. Dairy Export Council fosters collaborative industry partnerships with processors, trading companies and others to enhance global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients. USDEC is primarily supported by Dairy Management Inc. through the dairy farmer checkoff. How to republish this post.