Exports
U.S. dairy exports continue to surge in 2026, with first-quarter volumes climbing 11% year-over-year as record cheese and butterfat demand helps absorb growing milk production.
The U.S. dairy industry is currently being held together by cattle prices and export volumes. Conflict with Iran has everyone on edge for what this means for the U.S. economy and if any of that impact will trickle down to the dairy industry.
USDA Under Secretary Luke Lindberg points to strategic deals and surging dairy, ethanol and corn exports driving the U.S. toward an ag trade surplus
Exports climbed 15% in 2025, just short of the $9.54 billion record set in 2022.
The U.S. and Argentina have finalized a trade agreement that modifies tariff rates, sets a cheese quota and addresses regulatory requirements for certain U.S. dairy exports.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg says the big takeaway is establishing a level playing field for U.S. producers and building opportunities from there.
This landmark agreement promises to open new horizons for American dairy exports, signaling a new era of trade opportunities and partnerships in Southeast Asia.
Surging cheese and butterfat exports are a bright spot for U.S. dairy farmers, but ongoing trade negotiations may stand in the way of even greater gains.
If Mexico’s push is successful, U.S. exports to the country could suffer.
A federal court ruled Wednesday that an emergency law does not provide President Trump with unilateral authority to impose tariffs on nearly every country. The interruption was short-lived after a federal appeals court granted the Trump administration’s request to temporarily pause a lower-court ruling.
A progressive step is expected to enhance market access for U.S. dairy producers, signaling a positive trend in dissolving non-tariff barriers, a commitment upheld by the Trump administration.
Global demand for U.S. cheese is accelerating, driven by expanding international markets and evolving consumer tastes. At the same time, trade negotiations and tariff policies remain key factors shaping the future of dairy exports.
The prospect of a U.S.-UK trade agreement has been long overdue. This new framework for negotiations marks a crucial turning point as the U.S. seeks a level playing field with global dairy exporters.
Before the White House’s 90-day pause on higher tariffs for other countries expires on July 9, India is one country rushing to negotiate a trade deal with the U.S.
India likely to continue to protect its dairy industry from imports.
China’s rapid growth in milk production appears to be over for now.
Rising tariffs between the U.S. and China are putting pressure on key dairy exports like whey and lactose, sparking concern over the potential of lost sales and falling prices.
If the dollar falls far enough, dairy exports could still be competitive even with retaliatory tariffs.
With China already imposing retaliatory tariffs on U.S. dairy, and other country’s potentially to come, dairy exports could suffer
Mexico’s president said on Tuesday the country will respond to U.S. tariffs with a 25% tariff on U.S. goods, but she will hold off announcing the targeted products until Sunday.
At a pivotal junction of prosperity intertwined with uncertainty, the U.S. dairy industry seeks resolution to ongoing trade disputes. With committed leaders aiming to expand international partnerships, strategic negotiation appears essential for sustaining and enhancing the industry’s growth.
China retaliated swiftly on Tuesday with 10% to 15% retaliatory levies impacting $21 billion worth of U.S. agricultural and food products, moving the world’s top two economies a step closer toward an all-out trade war.
Both domestic and foreign buyers step back from potential trade war.
The measures, effective March 12, eliminate country-specific exemptions and extend to downstream steel and aluminum products, affecting key suppliers such as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, and South Korea.
As the industry braces itself for a tumultuous road ahead, it is crucial for stakeholders across the board to engage in constructive dialogue and seek resolutions that protect the backbone of rural America – our dairy farmers.
Just hours before the tariffs were set to take effect, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the news on X, and President Donald Trump later confirmed. Mexico is the top destination for U.S. ag exports. The announcement from Canada came later on Monday.
