U.S. Dairy Export Council
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is an influential organization within the global dairy market, dedicated to promoting the international reach of U.S. dairy products. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USDEC is instrumental in coordinating the overseas operations of the U.S. dairy sector.
Financial Indicators
USDEC has achieved noteworthy financial milestones, with U.S. dairy exports surpassing $6 billion annually. Despite a 2% decline in exports by October, the export value has increased due to strong market demand and favorable pricing. The organization has maintained an impressive annual growth rate of 10% in volume, significantly driven by the Latin American markets.
Important Events
USDEC actively participates in international trade fairs and exhibitions, which are crucial for building connections with global food producers and expanding market access. Recently, U.S. dairy products, particularly cheese, have grown in popularity in Asia and the Middle East. In March, U.S. dairy export volumes surged to their highest levels in over two years, thanks to competitive pricing and improved domestic milk production.
Company Plans
Looking forward, USDEC plans to strengthen its presence in rapidly growing markets, especially in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The council aims to leverage digital outreach initiatives and strategic market penetration to meet the increasing demand for U.S. dairy products. Additionally, USDEC is committed to promoting sustainability and innovation in dairy production to enhance the global appeal of U.S. offerings.
Recent Developments
USDEC is advocating for reciprocal tariffs to address trade imbalances, particularly with the European Union, while remaining cautious about potential retaliatory tariffs from countries like Mexico, Canada, and China, which could impact cheese consumption. A significant development is the signing of a landmark Dairy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan, in collaboration with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden described this as a crucial step towards expanding the U.S. dairy presence in Taiwan. Additionally, economist William Loux from USDEC noted the strategic addition of 235,000 milking cows, indicating efforts to expand the milking herd.
Under the leadership of Paul Rovey from 2012 to 2019, USDEC has successfully coordinated responses to international trade investigations and advocated for stronger enforcement of market-access commitments. The council has highlighted the potential benefits of trade agreements for American farmers and the economy, suggesting that such agreements could serve as models for future trade negotiations.
Modified: 2026/02/27