The dairy product export scene was both good and bad in May. Despite U.S. cheese exports setting yet another record for volume shipped in a single month, and others like butterfat, milk powder and high-protein whey posting year-over-year gains, shipments of low-protein whey and lactose to China plunged and caused a 2% decline in total year-over-year milk solids equivalent (MSE) exports.

As predicted, April faced headwinds against looming trade wars and strong performances seen in April of last year. U.S. dairy product export volume fell 5% year over year in April and was down 1.5% year to date.

First-quarter dairy product exports ended on a positive note, with volume growing 3% in March. As the first three months of 2025 trailed just 0.5% behind 2024 volume, the value over the same period grew 14%, marking a first-quarter record at $2.3 billion. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot look at dairy-related export categories.

The U.S. dairy product export market stumbled in February as cheese continued its strong growth performance, recording a 7% year-over-year improvement in milk solid equivalents (MSE), but nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NFDM/SMP) fell to its lowest export value since 2019, leading to a year-over-year 5% fall in total dairy product exports. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot look at dairy-related export categories.

In the news this week: Feed additive legislation has been reintroduced in House, Chobani announces a $500 million expansion in Idaho, and dairy show ring guidelines have been updated.

The U.S. dairy export market noted gains in most major product categories, a trend that was apparent as 2024 came to a close. Cheese exports saw year-over-year volume gains for the 13th consecutive month and low-protein whey shipments rose 6%, contributing to an impressive 20% rise in year-over-year U.S. export value. Yet, there are plenty of uncertainties that will shape exports in 2025. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot look at dairy-related export categories.

Notable declines in both December and fourth-quarter year-over-year U.S. dairy export volumes at 1.9% and 5%, respectively, brought 2024 to a close. While falls in nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NFDM/SMP) were mostly to blame, there was still enough to celebrate in 2024 as export value rose to its second-highest value ever, and cheese exports in December posted their 12th consecutive year-over-year gain. Here’s Progressive Dairy’s 30,000-foot look at dairy-related export categories.

In dairy news this week: The USDA added six more states for national HPAI milk testing, the U.S. partners with Indonesia to enhance its dairy sector, and Dairy's Foundation awards education and outreach grants.

Following a striking 7% year-over-year gain in the third quarter of 2024, fourth quarter is looking less impressive as data revealed a 9% fall in milk solid equivalents in November 2024, the second consecutive month of fewer exports.