U.S. dairy exports hit US$8.2B in 2024

USA – U.S. dairy exports reached US$8.2 billion in 2024, marking the second-highest total export value on record and an increase of US$223 million from the previous year, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Mexico and Canada remained the top destinations for U.S. dairy products, with Mexico importing US$2.47 billion worth of dairy and Canada US$1.14 billion. 

Central American markets also saw significant growth, with Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador all recording record imports of U.S. dairy. 

However, exports to China fell to their lowest level since 2020.

Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association, said the industry is well-positioned to build on this momentum. 

“The U.S. dairy industry is ready to capitalize on a renewed trade agenda in 2025. Consumers in the United States and around the world continue to demand more U.S. dairy because we provide an assortment of delicious, nutritious, and affordable dairy products.”

The U.S. dairy industry supports more than 3.2 million jobs and contributes nearly $800 billion to the American economy. 

It has invested over US$8 billion in new processing capacity to expand production and increase exports. 

The sector has transitioned from being a net importer of dairy a decade ago to now exporting products to 145 countries. 

The United States has become the third-largest dairy exporter in the world, following New Zealand and the European Union.

Reports indicate that about 18% of all U.S. milk production is currently exported, and with rising production levels, the industry sees global market expansion as critical to sustaining growth.

Challenges remain in key markets, particularly in Canada and Asia. Industry leaders argue that Canadian policies are preventing American dairy exporters from fully utilizing the market access promised under the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

Additionally, demand remains weak in China and Southeast Asia, affecting exports to countries such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

Dykes emphasized the need for stronger trade policies, stating, “With new trade agreements that remove obstacles and increase market access, we wouldn’t just break records we would redefine the global dairy landscape for decades to come.”