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Added processing supporting new dairy shipment records in January

The U.S. Dairy Export Council says export values hit a new monthly high with nearly all major product categories seeing increased shipments in January.

U.S. dairy shipments were up nearly half a percent while values jumped 20 percent to $714 million.

Exports of cheese were up 22 percent on the year and hit a shipping record high for the month. The export council says every month since last July has set a new monthly cheese export record. Mexico was the top importer, increasing exports by just one percent from the prior year.

Total butterfat export sales were 145 percent above last year and represented the largest volume of butterfat sold in any month since 2014. Butter exports were up 41 percent, while anhydrous milk fat shipments increased six-fold and also hit a volume record for any given month. Canada and Mexico were the main buyers as pending tariffs likely fueled demand.

Low-protein whey shipments were up 63 percent supported by demand from China and high-protein whey exports were up 19 percent.

Nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder exports dropped 20 percent on the year as limited supplies and high prices led to reduced sales in Southeast Asia.