News

U.S. dairy exports decreased but still historically strong

Dairy
United States
Published Mar 9, 2021

Tridge summary

Despite getting off to a slower start than a year ago, January 2021 U.S. dairy exports were still the second highest on a volume basis and third highest on a value basis for any January in history, according to a monthly update from the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). As in recent months, port congestion, container and labor shortages, and a host of other shipping challenges appear to be undercutting U.S. agricultural exports – including dairy.

Original content

Reduced demand from Mexico also took a toll when compared to a year ago. Here’s a look at the latest topline numbers and issues identified by the USDEC. Volume basis: On a milk solids equivalent basis, January 2021 exports were estimated at 161,000 metric tons (MT), down about 5% from January 2020. The USDEC attributes much of that total decline to a 10% drop in nonfat dry milk and skim milk powder exports due to ongoing U.S. port issues, even as U.S. prices remain competitive on the global market. Among other major products, cheese and lactose exports were also lower. Whey exports marked a 14th straight month of growth, and butterfat exports jumped 80%, driven primarily by sales to the Middle East-North Africa region. Value basis: At $505.5 million, the value of January exports was down about 9% from the same month a year earlier due to lower volumes and prices. The main themes from January’s export data are likely to persist in the next few months, according to USDEC. Positives ...
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