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February Shows Uneven Trends in U.S. Dairy Exports

Apr 07, 2025
By Farms.com

Cheese Excels Amid Milk Powder Decline

The U.S. dairy industry faced contrasting fortunes in February, with overall exports decreasing by 5%, equivalent to a drop of 9,587 metric tons in milk solids. Cheese, however, was a bright spot, achieving record sales for February and registering a 7% increase year-over-year.

The decline in exports was primarily due to a significant reduction in nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NFDM/SMP), which fell by 26%, losing 16,737 metric tons.

This was exacerbated by a dramatic 53% decrease in exports to Southeast Asia, influenced by sharp price differences between U.S. and global markets that began the previous year.

In contrast, cheese exports saw robust growth in several key markets, including a 50% increase to Korea and significant gains in Australia, MENA, and the Caribbean. This growth helped mitigate declines in other areas such as China, Japan, and Mexico.

Butter and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) exports also saw substantial increases, with total exports surging by 236%.

This growth was primarily due to the U.S.'s competitive pricing compared to European and Oceanian products, making U.S. butterfat products particularly attractive on the global market.

On the downside, the whey segment saw a decline of 5%, with high-protein whey exports notably weaker, marking the lowest February output since 2022. The drop in high-protein whey exports was driven by significantly lower demand from China and South America.

As the U.S. dairy industry navigates a complex international landscape, marked by both opportunities and challenges, its ability to adapt to market dynamics and policy changes will be key to sustaining and expanding its global footprint.

The uncertain policy environment adds another layer of complexity, but the industry's competitive pricing offers a potential pathway for continued growth in exports.


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Rob shares how a deep-rooted commitment to **health—both animal and personal—**drives his philosophy and decision-making. From reshaping pork nutrition and advocating for the return of well-marbled, flavorful pork to confronting the ongoing battle with PRRS and other health threats, Rob’s insights reflect decades of hands-on experience and bold innovation.

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Health & Survivability: Rob’s take on biosecurity, disease management, and the systems and protocols that protect both pigs and profitability.

Well-Marbled Pork as Premium Protein: The science, consumer insights, and culinary feedback behind Rob’s mission to reintroduce pork as a premium, flavorful protein.

Sustainability & Farm Culture: How Brenneman Pork balances environmental responsibility with day-to-day positivity and resilience.

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Plus, a fast-paced finale where Rob shares his top pork pick, leadership lessons, and what he’d change overnight in the industry.

Whether you're a producer, nutritionist, policymaker, or future leader, this episode offers a masterclass in where pork production is headed—and how visionaries like Rob are shaping it.