By Jamie Martin
The U.S. dairy industry is thriving, with exports setting new records and shaping the future of the sector. In 2024, U.S. cheese exports hit an all-time high of 508,808 metric tons, reflecting a 17% increase from the previous record. This surge highlights the importance of global trade in sustaining the industry.
Trade agreements have been key to this success, with deals like CAFTA-DR helping reduce tariffs on dairy exports. However, challenges persist as competitors such as the European Union and New Zealand continue negotiating favorable agreements in global markets.
Industry groups, including the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) and the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), are actively working to address these challenges. “We’re finally now able to take advantage of lower tariffs in many countries,” leaders in the industry stated, emphasizing the progress made and the work ahead.
Efforts are focused on expanding access to emerging markets, securing better trade terms, and protecting the use of common cheese names in international sales.
With exports now accounting for 16.4% of total U.S. milk production, the industry’s reliance on global trade is more critical than ever. Target markets such as Indonesia, China, and Taiwan present new growth opportunities, ensuring a stable future for dairy producers.
As demand for U.S. dairy continues to rise worldwide, ongoing trade initiatives will play a important role in maintaining the industry's competitive edge. With a growing global population, the potential for expansion is vast, setting the stage for even greater achievements in the years to come.
Photo Credit: national-milk-producers-federation
Categories: National