News

March export demand for dairy likely shows stockpiling

The U.S. Dairy Export Council says export volumes increased to the highest monthly level for March in more than two years.

The Council says the three percent increase in U.S. dairy shipments could be a sign of buyers getting ahead of supply chain challenges and tariff uncertainty.

Total butter export sales were up 171 percent above last year. Much of that demand came from Canada, with volumes shipped jumping 172 percent.

Low-protein whey shipments were up three percent, supported by a 34 percent increase in demand from China. U.S. dry whey, whey protein concentrate, and whey permeate since April now face a 125% tariff from China.

Nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder exports increased one percent on the year, with most of the demand growth coming from Mexico.

Shipments of cheese declined by one percent from 2024 after 14 straight months of year-over-year gains. Volumes were still the second highest for the month on record. Mexico was the top importer, increasing exports by just one percent from the prior year.