U.S. Dairy Exports Grow to 9-Month High

Record highs on NDM/SMP to Mexico, cheese to South Korea.

In March, U.S. dairy export volumes reached their highest level in nine months, led by record-high shipments of nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NDM/SMP) to Mexico and cheese to South Korea. In addition, global shipments of lactose and whey protein isolate (WPI) topped previous highs.

Overall volume and value improved from previous months, though sales lagged year-ago levels. On a daily-average basis, exports were up 19 percent by volume and 14 percent by value from February. However, compared with last March, exports were down 9 percent by volume and 24 percent by value. Comparisons with March 2014 look less favorable in part because U.S. exports last March were the most ever.

Shipments of NDM/SMP were 55,022 tons, up 40 percent from February (daily average) and up 7 percent from last year. Sales to Mexico were 26,213 tons, the most ever and 68 percent more than a year ago.

Cheese exports in March were 34,302 tons, up 5 percent from February (daily average) but down 5 percent from a year ago. Suppliers sold 8,410 tons to South Korea, up 48 percent from last year and a new high.

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

To download a printable pdf summary of the March trade data, 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.