News

Record U.S. dairy exports

U.S. dairy exports set a record in the first half of 2013. The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) reports export sales totaled $3.168 billion from January through June, up 16 percent compared to the same period in 2012. On a total solids basis, U.S. suppliers exported 14.7 percent of U.S. milk production in the first half of the year compared to 13.5 percent exported a year ago.

Compared to the first six months of 2012, skim milk powder exports are up 10 percent this year; whey product sales are 5 percent higher; cheese exports up 6 percent; lactose exports are up 15 percent on a volume basis.

USDEC says steady global demand, faltering production from other nations and favorable pricing all contributed to the increase in sales and an increase in global market share for U.S. dairy producers.