US dairy exports experienced a 7% decline in 2023 due to weak demand and increased competition, with only high-protein whey, lactose, and condensed milk showing positive growth. The US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) remains cautiously optimistic for the future, despite global conflicts and trade restrictions. Demand from Mexico helped offset slower exports to other major destinations like China, where consumer and investor confidence is low. The USDEC predicts China's dairy imports will remain flat in 2024 due to self-sufficiency goals, but shifts towards cheese, dairy fats, and specialty ingredients could provide future opportunities for US dairy. The USDEC also anticipates continued competition from the EU and New Zealand, but expects less aggressive pricing from these regions.