U.S. dairy exports declined by 13% in milk solids equivalent compared to the same month in 2022. 

Record months for NFDM/SMP shipments to Mexico and WPC80+ not enough to offset declines in most product categories.

But export value dropped and bearish demand signals show up in the data.

Growth in core products led to double-digit gainsin January.  

December exports climbed 15% in volume with all major products growing in the final month of the year. But our analysts are watching headwinds on the horizon for 2023. 

USDEC looks at the principal market factors influencing dairy import demand and trade in the year ahead.

Impressive growth in cheese, whey and lactose maintain momentum.

NFDM/SMP exports rise for first time this year, while whey, cheese and butter continue to post solid year-over-year gains.

Whey, cheese, lactose and butter continued to lead as U.S. suppliers set multiple September records.

Continued global demand for cheese, butter, whey and lactose powered U.S. dairy exports in August.

U.S. dairy exports rise 5% (milk solids equivalent), driven by whey and lactose, with a little help from butter and cheese.

Cheese, whey drove U.S. dairy exports to finish the first half positive in both volume and value. 

Despite limited milk supply growth, U.S. dairy exports set new monthly records in volume and value in May, marking a positive break from the trend.

Export volume (milk solids equivalent) ekes out a 1% increase over the previous year with solid performances from multiple product sectors overcoming a 6% drop in NFDM/SMP.

Cheese and butter led the way in March, alongside improvements in whey.

U.S. export value sets February record, reaching nearly $700 million.

Higher prices and increased cheese exports drove export value by 16% in the first month of the year.

But three big headwinds for 2022 warrant caution in expecting another year of double-digit growth.

Federal policymakers, regional port officials and business CEOs will jointly examine solutions for agriculture exports at a webinar now open for registration. 

With one month of data to go in 2021, U.S. dairy exports are finishing on a high note.