WASHINGTON — The United States dairy industry saw exports rebound in 2024, per the latest data from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). Following a dip in the opposite direction in 2023, the value of US dairy exports reached $8.2 billion this past year.

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) noted the $223 million year-over-year increase for US dairy exports gave the industry its second-largest yearly total on record. The country's dairy exports were worth $8.11 billion in 2023, after a record-setting value of $9.5 billion in 2022. 

The top two global trading partners for the US dairy industry, Mexico and Canada, represented more than 40% of the export total, IDFA pointed out. Mexico imported $2.47 billion worth of exports in 2024, while Canada imported $1.14 billion in US dairy products.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump agreed to a 30-day pause on his tariff threats against the country’s neighboring countries.

IDFA president and chief executive officer Michael Dykes said the US dairy industry aims to capitalize on a renewed trade agenda in 2025. Dykes said while exports are performing well overall, the industry is capable of more and needs new trade agreements “that remove obstacles and increase market access.” Doing so, he added, may change the global dairy landscape.

“Consumers in the United States and around the world continue to demand more US dairy, because we provide an assortment of delicious, nutritious and affordable dairy products,” Dykes said. “From award-winning cheeses, to high-value whey ingredients and milk powders used to make life-saving products for children and adults, to safe and nutritious ESL milk, US dairy is known throughout the world for quality and reliability.”

Dykes said US dairy is poised to become the world's leading supplier of dairy products.

“To do that, we need a trade agenda that prioritizes market access and ensures a level playing field,” Dykes said. “For too long, our exports to Canada have yet to fulfill the promises of the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), because Canadian policies continue to prevent American exporters from filling their tariff-rate quotas.”

The IDFA leader also remarked that demand is “soft” in China and Southeast Asia, “illustrating the need for a strategic approach to trade with markets in the Asia Pacific region.”