The U.S. is quickly becoming a major dairy exporter. Cheese exports lead the exporting increases. Cheese uses nearly two thirds of U.S. milk, and other dairy categories are also increasing exports.
Table I below shows the current levels of production, exports and imports. Clearly. cheese is the leader. The growth and trends of these exports and imports are shown in detail in this blog. They are expressed as a percent of production
Charts I and II show the five-year trends of cheese exports and imports as a percent of production. Exports of cheese were 7% of production in 2022 and 2023. The increase in exports began in 2024 and has accelerated in 2025 and 2026. The increase in exports is showing steady and continuing increases. This current rate of increase in exports would result in 20% of production by the end of 2027. The major cheese export is Cheddar cheese.
Imports of cheese hit a low of 2% in early 2026 and has increased slightly since then. The comparison of 10.3% exports and 2.2% imports establish the U.S. as a major cheese exporter.
Butter is also seeing increases in exports (Chart III). In 2023 and 2024 exports were minimal as U.S. consumption of butter increased. U.S. butter production could not meet consumption and significant butter was imported. (Chart IV). With increased production of butter in 2025 and 2026, exports increased to nearly 10% of production (Chart III). Butter imports have been reduced with the increased U.S. production. However, imports remain significant as specialty butter, primarily from Ireland (Kerrygold brand) has gained consumption in the U.S..
The second largest export product is NDM and SMP. These are byproducts of butter production and have been heavily exported primarily to Mexico. Exports are near 100% of these products. Imports are negligible (Chart V).
Dry whey is a byproduct of cheese making and with more cheese, there is more whey. Dry whey is available in different forms and has been significantly exported. Whey is often used as whey permeate (primarily sugar) in swine diets. One of the largest buyers is China, and tariffs have created volatility in these exports. Exports declined in 2023 but have increased in 2025 and 2026 with high-protein whey concentrates used in weight loss drugs. Exports to Canada may shrink with the new U.S./Canada exports tariffs.
Whey is about 93% water, so drying it is expensive. Therefore, much of the whey is not dried.
Imports of dry whey (Chart VII) are negligible.
The U.S. Dairy Export Council has done an excellent job of promoting dairy exports internationally. Export growth is centered around cheese, butter and dry whey.
