USDA photo by Preston Keres

U.S. dairy exports remain strong despite a slowdown in China’s dairy imports. They even set records.

According to Daily Dairy Report analyst Sarina Sharp, while slower in June and July, U.S. cheese exports still reached a new monthly high in 2024.

In July, U.S. cheese exports increased by 9.4% from July 2023 to 88.7 million pounds. Shipments to Mexico set a record for the 14th consecutive month.
Whey exports also grew by 22.4% from 2023, driven by a 34% increase in shipments to China. Volumes were lower than in 2021 and 2022.

Nonfat dry milk (NDM) exports surged to a 14-month high, growing 10% over 2023. Shipments to Mexico and the Philippines significantly exceed 2023 volumes.

While global prices and Chinese demand could boost U.S. milk powder exports, rising domestic prices and lower production may limit future sales. If China’s demand for dairy continues to decline, U.S. exports could slow.

Read more on the outlook for dairy exports here.