Rising whey prices lift Vermont dairy export earnings despite trade tensions
Trade tensions between the United States and China have caused challenges for many agricultural sectors. While national agricultural exports to China declined in 2025, Vermont has recorded strong growth in dairy export revenue.
During the first eight months of 2025, Vermont’s agricultural exports to China increased by more than 78% compared to the same period in 2024. This growth mainly came from whey, a dairy byproduct created during cheese production. Whey is commonly used in protein supplements, baby food, animal feed, and food ingredients.
Most of the increase was linked to rising international prices rather than higher shipping volumes. The average price of dry whey increased significantly, raising the total value of Vermont’s exports even though production levels stayed similar.
Agri-Mark, Vermont’s largest dairy cooperative and owner of Cabot Cheese, is the state’s leading exporter of whey to China. Farm leaders have noted that Vermont’s small production scale makes price changes appear larger when measured by percentage.
Although Vermont contributes only a small share of the nation’s total whey exports, the value of its shipments continues to grow. Vermont’s whey export earnings reached $4.8 million in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing earlier yearly totals.
Local farmers benefit from these gains indirectly. When large dairy processors earn more from byproducts like whey, they are better positioned to maintain strong milk purchasing programs. This helps support stable incomes for dairy farms across the state.
Despite overall declines in U.S. agricultural trade with China, Vermont’s dairy sector shows that strong global demand for whey continues to provide opportunities. The state’s experience highlights how market prices can play a major role in supporting rural farm economies.
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