Milk bottling plantDairy product exports boasted a new record in 2021 — an especially surprising trend considering shipping congestion and inflation. Dairy exports account for 17% to 18% of U.S. milk production. Mexico has become American dairy producers’ top customer, accounting for $1 billion in dairy products exported south. Southeast Asia is also a $1 billion market, comprised of 16 countries with an expanding middle class and growing appetite for high-quality dairy proteins. The U.S. Dairy Export Council even opened a Center for Dairy Excellence in Singapore to further connect and support buyers and sellers. China also ranks in the top three dairy producer importers.

Connecting people to people has proven to be a solid strategy for U.S. dairy producers, as three of the top four top-market countries are locations U.S. dairy producers have traveled to for trade missions. Even amidst a global pandemic, these relationships have proved fruitful and has helped support the U.S. dairy industry during an otherwise challenging time.

Read more on dairy exports and trade relations here.