Making headlines the second week of March 2025 includes the EPA revising the Waters of the U.S. rule, China's tariffs on U.S. dairy and fluid milk sales for January.

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.

In the news affecting a dairy's bottom line this first week of March 2025: Tariffs imposed, then delayed, on U.S. dairy’s top three export markets; LCFS amendments on hold; farmer sentiment improves; and several scholarships announced.

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.

On Feb. 1, President Donald Trump signed three executive orders imposing new tariffs on goods from Mexico, Canada and China – the three biggest markets for U.S. agricultural commodities.

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.