The U.S. dairy sector must be present in the markets it serves. That means traveling to those destinations and engaging directly with dairy farmers, processors, importers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators and policymakers.

At a time when uncertainty and rapid change are upending business as usual, one thing still holds true: progress is built on the hard work of showing up, day after day, in every meeting, conversation and negotiation that shapes the future of global trade.

Showing up is not just about being there. It’s about doing the work – often unseen and unglamorous – that builds trust, dismantles barriers and opens doors for American dairy to grow its presence around the world.

In the face of uncertainty, USDEC’s goal is not just short-term inroads; it’s long-term, dependable market access and a level, competitive playing field. No matter how trade currents may shift, exports remain a vital part of the U.S. dairy growth story. Underscoring that point, U.S. dairy exports hit $8.3 billion in 2024 – the second-highest amount on record – and topped $4.7 billion in the first half of 2025.

That’s why it’s vital for USDEC to consistently work with U.S. officials and their counterparts around the world to advocate for a win-win approach that benefits local consumers while maintaining access for America’s dairy farmers. Equally important is USDEC’s focus on building lasting relationships with prospective customers and supporting programs that promote U.S. dairy as the top choice for local needs.

Widening access
One of USDEC’s main functions is to advocate for lasting market access and regulatory solutions that reduce persistent trade imbalances. These imbalances highlight the need for fair, science-based policies and modern trade agreements that recognize U.S. dairy’s essential role in meeting nutritional and culinary needs around the world.

Showing up consistently is a vital part of negotiating these long-term opportunities. In some cases, that means actively working with trade partners to establish or widen our presence in markets that offer large, untapped potential.

For example, on a visit to Senegal in September, I had the opportunity to engage with business leaders and agriculture ministers from across Africa. Conversations focused on livestock productivity, value chain opportunities and the role of dairy in improving nutrition, particularly through school milk programs. While U.S. dairy currently holds only a small share of many African import markets, the interest in high-quality, sustainable nutrition is strong. By showing up consistently and offering solutions that meet local needs, we can build the trust and relationships required to expand U.S. dairy’s presence in Africa.

Focusing on growth
USDEC is also forging strategic opportunities in other emerging markets where dairy demand is rising quickly.

Throughout 2025, I visited several promising markets in Asia. In the Philippines, we explored the role of U.S. cheeses in the country’s foodservice sector. In Malaysia, we toured a local dairy processor and learned how we can help meet demand for milk powders and other dairy ingredients. In Hong Kong, one of Asia’s great culinary centers, we met with local agribusiness leaders and trade officials to explore how U.S. dairy can enrich local menus and connect to broader Asian markets. And just last month, we convened the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Conference in Singapore, showcasing how U.S.-led dairy innovation is central to meeting Southeast Asia’s growing nutritional goals and evolving customer expectations.

To tend these relationships day-in and day-out despite the distance, USDEC maintains a continual on-the-ground presence in many countries. These in-market teams bring U.S. dairy closer to customers through trusted partnerships and deep knowledge of local tastes. They can respond quickly to market changes and offer localized technical support and education.

USDEC then looks for opportunities to build on that base created by our local offices and expand our network even further to maximize opportunities for U.S. dairy exporters. In Indonesia, for example, we are excited to partner with government, academic and private sector groups to support the country’s ambitious Free Nutritious Meal program. A key goal is to ensure sufficient milk daily for more than 80 million students. The collaboration is twofold. First, USDEC, U.S. universities and U.S state Departments of Agriculture partner with Indonesian universities to train small-scale farmers in best practices for animal care and milk production. Secondly, we work with Indonesian government agencies and commerce groups to facilitate trade in U.S. milk powder that complements local dairy production.

These kinds of consistent touch points establish trust and accountability and create opportunities for productive conversations that open markets wider.

Using our voice to shape policy
Another important aspect of showing up is in our ongoing engagement with policy-focused international organizations. In these forums, U.S. dairy must not only be present, but it must also be consistent, constructive and credible. By leading with data and practical input, we can support international policy recommendations that reflect the realities of efficient dairy production and the robust evidence of dairy’s nutritional benefits.

To move the needle and achieve key outcomes in these bodies, USDEC partners with likeminded international groups such as the World Farmers Organisation, the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture and market-specific agricultural and dairy organizations. By working through trusted partnerships that allow us to share resources and act on early intelligence, we can scale our impact, enhance credibility and support a pro-growth marketplace.

Progress doesn’t happen overnight. Trade only thrives when it’s built on a foundation of partnership, fairness and mutual respect. It all starts with putting in consistent work, committing the time, building trust and leading by example. That’s how we can continue to provide a steady hand to U.S. dairy in the face of rapid change.

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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.