U.S. Dairy Export Council

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a crucial organization within the global dairy industry, focused on enhancing the international presence of U.S. dairy products. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USDEC plays an integral role in coordinating the overseas operations of the U.S. dairy sector.

Financial Indicators

USDEC has reported remarkable financial achievements, with U.S. dairy exports surpassing $6 billion annually. Although there was a slight decline of 2% in exports by October, the export value has risen, driven by strong market demand and favorable pricing conditions. The organization has maintained an impressive annual growth rate of 10% in volume, with significant contributions from Latin American markets.

Important Events

USDEC actively engages in international trade fairs and exhibitions, which are vital for establishing connections with global food producers and expanding market access. Recently, U.S. dairy products, especially cheese, have seen increased popularity in Asia and the Middle East. In March, the export volumes of U.S. dairy products witnessed a significant surge, reaching the highest levels in over two years due to competitive pricing and improved domestic milk production.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, USDEC plans to fortify its presence in rapidly growing markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The council intends to utilize digital outreach initiatives and implement strategic market penetration to meet the growing demand for U.S. dairy products. Additionally, USDEC is dedicated 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. The organization remains cautious about potential retaliatory tariffs from countries such as Mexico, Canada, and China, which could affect cheese consumption. A significant recent development is the signing of a landmark Dairy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan, a collaboration between USDEC and the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden has 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.

The organization was under the leadership of Paul Rovey from 2012 to 2019. Furthermore, USDEC has been advocating for stronger enforcement of market-access commitments and successfully coordinated a response to a Colombian investigation, which concluded with no actionable harm being found.

Modified: 2026/01/17