U.S. dairy, ag exporters overcoming impediments

U.S. agricultural exporters overcame some of the impediments that plagued them in recent months, helping create a resurgence of foreign sales in February. Dairy products Despite having one fewer day in February 2021 compared to last year and U.S. suppliers still facing shipping delays and other challenges, U.S. dairy product exports surged in February, according to a monthly update from the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). Volume basis: On a milk solids equivalent basis, February 2021 exports were jumped 15% compared to the same month a year ago. February’s growth was driven primarily by a resurgence in nonfat dry milk (NFDM) skim milk powder (SMP) to Mexico and Southeast Asia and whey products to China. February’s NFDM/SMP export data was a surprise after forecasts shipping frustrations common during November-January were expected to continue. Despite that, milk powder exports grew substantially, up 31% over February 2020. Looking ahead, this suggests that if U.S. exporters can ...