News

U.S. dairy exports hanging-in there

U.S. cheese exports totaled 64.7 million pounds in May down 8 percent from a year ago.  Year-to-date cheese exports are down 10 percent due mainly to Japan and China.  Mexico’s purchases are up 20 percent at 87 million pounds, South Korean purchases are 11 percent higher at 70.2 million pounds and Australia has increased U.S. imports by 18 percent to 22.4 million pounds from January through May of this year.

Somewhat surprising is that despite the global market, U.S. nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder exports are running 1.5 percent above year-ago levels.  Mexican purchases were up 40 percent from January through April but then fell 25 percent in May but increased sales to the Philippines, Indonesia, Peru, Pakistan and Sri Lanka more than made up for it.

The low global prices have spurred increases in dairy product imports.  So far this year cheese imports are up nearly 27 percent, butter imports are 93 percent higher and anhydrous milkfat imports are up 1051 percent.