The U.S. Dairy Export Council says July shipments moved the second-largest volume in any given month since August 2022.
U.S. dairy exports gained seven percent in volume year over year, while values jumped 20 percent to $834.5 million.
Cheese exports rose 29 percent with Central America, the Caribbean, South Korea, and Japan driving demand. The category will likely set another record for the year. Cheddar exports in July soared by 143 percent year over year.
Butter exports surpassed the largest monthly volume in over a decade, surging 206 percent. Australia purchased a record amount that was 2.5 times larger than the previous record set in June. Anhydrous milk fat exports rose 91 percent. The council says it expects strong exports to continue with U.S. products offering a significant price advantage globally.
Low-protein whey shipments increased nine percent as declining sales to Canada overshadowed demand from Mexico and Southeast Asia. High-protein whey exports were also up nine percent despite reduced demand from China. Lactose sales rose nine percent, supported by Chinese purchases.
Nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder exports fell 16 percent for the month, partly because of limited product availability and a lack of interest from Southeast Asia.
An unexpected 60 percent increase in demand from Europe and the United Kingdom was rare, but U.S. butter prices 40 percent lower than their domestic counterparts helped buyers get over current tariffs. Butter and anhydrous milk fat sales exploded by more than 20,000 percent to the region.
Source: USDA
