Strong customer and consumer demand for U.S. cheeses and dairy ingredients drove U.S. dairy exports to record heights in 2022, setting new volume and value records. It was the third straight record year for volume and the second for value, with new annual export records set for cheese, whey and lactose. 

Export volume on a milk solids equivalent (MSE) basis increased 5% to 2.4 million metric tons (MT). Export volume in 2022 was equivalent to 18% of U.S. milk produced last year, also an all-time high. Export value increased 25% to $9.6 billion—the first time it has ever crossed the $9-billion mark.

U.S. dairy exports’ strong performance continued in the first half of 2022, following the record-breaking volume and value growth last year. Exports year-to-date are up 27% in value and 2% in volume compared to the same period last year, buoyed by a healing supply chain. In fact, the United States was the only major dairy exporter to see solid growth in exports over the past 12 months (July 2021-June 2022), reinforcing its advantages as the international supplier of choice for dairy products and ingredients.

Permeate has arrived as a permanent fixture in the ever-innovating world of dairy ingredients. A recent analysis of new product tracking data from Innova Market Insights confirmed dairy permeate’s upward growth streak for global new product introductions continued in 2021, smashing prior year records. What’s driving this demand? Manufacturers are seizing the benefits of adding permeate across various formulations and application categories, including the multifunctional ingredient’s browning, flavor enhancement, and cost saving properties. With a wave of health-conscious consumers wanting more out of their food, permeate delivers on great taste, while also helping reduce the use of sodium and added sugars in formulations.

Strong global demand for U.S. Dairy’s diverse portfolio of delicious, nutritious and sustainably produced products helped drive exports to new records in 2021, both in terms of volume and value. U.S. dairy export volume last year increased 10% over 2020 to more than 2.3 million metric tons (MT) milk solid equivalent. Value rose 18% to US$7.75 billion. Export volume in 2021 was equivalent to more than 17% of U.S. milk produced last year, also an all-time high.

The leaders of three major U.S. dairy organizations: US Dairy Export Council, National Milk Producers Federation and International Dairy Foods Association, traveled to Mexico to reinforce industry commitment to the Mexican market. U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) President and CEO Tom Vilsack affirmed and celebrated the U.S. dairy industry’s mutually beneficial partnership with Mexico when he spoke to the National Dairy Forum in Mexico City on March 15. The annual forum is organized by the Mexican Federation of Milk Producers (Femeleche) to bring together Mexican dairy industry leaders, farmers and government officials.