By Jamie Martin
February brought mixed results for U.S. dairy exports, showing a 5% decline overall, translating to a 9,587 metric ton decrease in milk solids equivalent from the previous year.
The standout performer was cheese, which not only set a record for February but also saw a 7% increase, adding 3,054 metric tons over the same month last year.
The primary drag on the market was nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NFDM/SMP), witnessing a 26% decrease, a substantial 16,737 metric ton drop.
This decline was most notable in Southeast Asia, where exports plummeted by 53%, highlighting the impact of divergent U.S. prices from the global market.
While NFDM/SMP struggled, cheese exports flourished, particularly to Korea, Australia, MENA, and the Caribbean, offsetting weaker sales to China, Japan, and Mexico.
The U.S. dairy sector also saw gains in butter and anhydrous milk fat (AMF) exports, with a remarkable 236% increase, driven by significant price advantages over European and Oceania markets.
The whey segment, however, did not perform as well, with a 5% drop in total exports. High-protein whey products, specifically, faced the most significant challenges, dropping below the 5,300 metric ton mark for the first time in two years due to reduced demand from China and South America.
Despite the mixed performance, opportunities for U.S. dairy exports remain, given the current favorable price positioning in international markets.
The looming uncertainty of U.S. tariffs and potential retaliatory measures could impact future demand. The dairy sector's ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining and expanding its presence in global markets.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: National