U.S. dairy exports struggle as May slips 5%

The latest trade reports reveal another month of poor markets, with U.S. dairy product exports slipping 5% from the modest growth seen in April. Despite concerns for the relatively flat U.S. dairy export performance in 2024, cheese continues to impress. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot view at dairy-related export categories. Falling exports in May add to rollercoaster year U.S. dairy exports fell in May on the heels on an exciting rise in April, according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council’s monthly market update. The 5% decline reflects a pattern where some products are thriving in the markets while others are not; cheese is one of those that continues soaring month after month. In May, U.S. cheese exports were recorded at 48,029 metric tons, a tremendous increase of 47% year over year and just shy of surpassing March’s record-high volume. Cumulatively, exports of cheese over the first five months of 2024 are up 27%. Whey, too, continued an upward swing with exports ...