Mexico increased shipments of shredded cheese from the United States
Source: The DairyNews
In a month that was mostly lackluster for U.S. export data, robust cheese shipments in November emerged as a beacon of positivity. Year-over-year (YOY) cheese exports surged by 4%, reaching an impressive 38,610 metric tons—the highest volume since March and a record for the month, as noted by the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).
The driving force behind this increase was the seemingly insatiable demand from Mexico, which has consistently played a pivotal role in supporting U.S. cheese exports in recent months. November witnessed a historic high, with U.S. suppliers shipping 14,715 MT of cheese to Mexico—the largest volume ever recorded in any month. With just one month left in 2023, year-to-date cheese exports to Mexico have soared by 21% (+25,071 MT) compared to the same period in 2022.
A noteworthy aspect of this surge in exports to Mexico is the prominence of shredded cheese. November's shredded cheese exports to Mexico were four times greater than the same month last year (+4,808 MT). This increase is believed to be a testament to the growing demand for shredded mozzarella, particularly through foodservice and hospitality channels, in the vibrant Mexican economy of 2023.
Beyond Mexico, other regions also experienced a boost in cheese exports in November. Shipments to China, for instance, were nearly 3.5 times greater than the previous year (+1,257 MT), with shredded cheese once again contributing significantly. Canada saw a rise of 263 MT in cheese exports, while Central America and the Caribbean registered a notable 15% increase (+841 MT).
The surge in shredded cheese exports grabbed headlines, but another significant category also witnessed growth. Fresh cheese exports increased by 10% (+791 MT), indicating a rising preference for U.S. cream cheese and fresh mozzarella among international buyers. The Western Hemisphere, particularly Central America and the Caribbean, experienced the most substantial growth in fresh cheese exports, with an impressive absolute gain of (+584 MT), while Canada, Mexico, and South America also made moderate contributions to the overall increase.
Despite the positive momentum in cheese exports, it's crucial to note that shipments are still recovering from earlier setbacks, with year-to-date exports down by 4% during the first 11 months of the year.
A noteworthy aspect of this surge in exports to Mexico is the prominence of shredded cheese. November's shredded cheese exports to Mexico were four times greater than the same month last year (+4,808 MT). This increase is believed to be a testament to the growing demand for shredded mozzarella, particularly through foodservice and hospitality channels, in the vibrant Mexican economy of 2023.
Beyond Mexico, other regions also experienced a boost in cheese exports in November. Shipments to China, for instance, were nearly 3.5 times greater than the previous year (+1,257 MT), with shredded cheese once again contributing significantly. Canada saw a rise of 263 MT in cheese exports, while Central America and the Caribbean registered a notable 15% increase (+841 MT).
The surge in shredded cheese exports grabbed headlines, but another significant category also witnessed growth. Fresh cheese exports increased by 10% (+791 MT), indicating a rising preference for U.S. cream cheese and fresh mozzarella among international buyers. The Western Hemisphere, particularly Central America and the Caribbean, experienced the most substantial growth in fresh cheese exports, with an impressive absolute gain of (+584 MT), while Canada, Mexico, and South America also made moderate contributions to the overall increase.
Despite the positive momentum in cheese exports, it's crucial to note that shipments are still recovering from earlier setbacks, with year-to-date exports down by 4% during the first 11 months of the year.
