Exports

Growth in dairy production (1.1%1) is projected to outpace population growth in the U.S. (0.5%2) over the next decade. This underscores the importance of fulfilling demand beyond our borders, where 96% of the world's population lives.3 Your dairy checkoff works to promote U.S. dairy products and ingredients in new and emerging international markets. 

1."Agricultural Outlook Forum: Dairy Outlook." USDA, 2024.
2."The Demographic Outlook: 2024 to 2054." Congressional Budget Office, 2024.
3. "World Population Clock." U.S. Census Bureau, 2024.


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How To Meet Growing Global Demand For Dairy

As global economies develop and purchasing power increases, demand for dairy products continues to grow worldwide. The dairy checkoff is poised to seize this opportunity and advance industry interests through two primary means:
  • International market development via the checkoff-founded U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).
  • Partnering locally with leading and emerging brands to expand global consumption of U.S. dairy products.

USDEC Strategy Drives Export Growth

Dairy farmers created U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) through their checkoff in 1995 to unite farmers, dairy processors, co-ops, ingredient suppliers and export traders to grow sales of U.S.-produced dairy for the international marketplace. Since its creation, exports of U.S. dairy products have grown more than tenfold to 2.24 million metric tons (milk solids equivalent) in 2023, positioning the U.S. as the world's third-largest dairy exporter1.

With a strong global presence in regions like China, Latin America, the Middle East/North Africa, Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, USDEC prioritizes building relationships as the cornerstone of successful global trade. Being physically present in these markets, interacting with stakeholders, and forming lasting connections are vital components of USDEC's mission.

1. U.S. Dairy Export Council


Partnerships See Success On The International Stage

In 2008, the dairy checkoff began partnering directly with top food service leaders and manufacturers in the U.S. That strategy has been successful domestically, and the checkoff has now turned to international markets in an effort to replicate those results. Identifying culturally relevant ways to incorporate U.S. dairy into global food service brands' menus and retail products has led to increased dairy consumption worldwide. 

Additionally, the checkoff works on the ground with local brands to develop additional growth categories, channels and markets and grow U.S. dairy exports. With more than 25 years of international trade experience, we are uniquely positioned to help these brands expand into new markets around the world.

Betsy Bullard

"It's extremely important for checkoff to be at the table with international trade partners. Nothing happens by accident."

-Betsy Bullard, Brigeen Farms, Inc. (Maine)

Your Checkoff At Work

17%

Amount of Milk Produced in the U.S. Exported in 2023

Source: USDEC

2.24

MMT

(Milk Solids Equivalent) Volume of U.S. Dairy Exports In 2023

Source: USDEC

10x

Dairy Export Growth Since USDEC Formed in 1995

Source: USDEC

Calf-Bedding_Exports

Local Checkoff Spotlight: Washington

The D3 partnership, funded by Dairy Farmers of Washington, Dairy Management, Inc. and Darigold (a USDEC member), aims to revitalize fluid milk in the northwest by developing and marketing value-added dairy products domestically and internationally. The partnerships focus on innovation, category leadership and channel marketing.

In 2023, the domestic partnership launched a consumer campaign targeting coffee drinkers to reclaim market share and emphasize milk as the superior coffee pairing. Additionally, the partnership supported the development of four new premium dairy creamers catering to consumer preferences for simplicity, natural flavors and lactose-free options. Internationally, the partnership is focused on building a long-term, sustainable, dairy export business. The partnership delivered market research for value-added fluid export as well as sales development in key markets with wholesale and retail partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who funds the U.S. Dairy Export Council?

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of dairy farmers, processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Dairy Management Inc. founded USDEC in 1995 and, through the dairy checkoff program, is the organization’s primary funding source. USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service provides export marketing support, and membership dues fund USDEC’s trade policy and lobbying activities.

Where are the global opportunities for U.S. dairy exports?

USDEC seeks to maintain a strong and continuous presence in crucial global markets such as China, Latin America, Southeast Asia, the Middle East/North Africa, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. USDEC’s goal is to grow global demand and help international companies understand the value of dairy and trust the U.S. as the supplier of choice.


The next horizon for U.S. dairy is Africa. Africa has 54 different countries and is not a singular, homogenous market. Additional funding from USDA will help USDEC to enhance the organization's ability to strategically compete and win in targeted, new export markets in Sub-Saharan Africa.

What U.S. dairy products are typically exported?

Primary U.S. dairy exports include nonfat dry milk (NFDM) and skim milk powder (SMP), whey and whey products, cheese, butterfat and lactose. The total value of these exports reached $8.11 billion in 20231, the second-largest amount of all time.

1.U.S. Dairy Export Council

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