U.S. Dairy Export Council: Expanding Horizons in Global Dairy Trade

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC), headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a pivotal organization in promoting the international reach of U.S. dairy products. The council plays a significant role in coordinating overseas operations, which contributes to the robust presence of the U.S. dairy sector in global markets.

Financial Indicators

USDEC has achieved remarkable financial success, with U.S. dairy exports surpassing $6 billion annually. Despite a 2% decline in export volumes by October, the export value increased due to strong market demand and favorable pricing. The organization has maintained an annual growth rate of 10% in volume, with significant contributions from Latin American markets.

Important Events

USDEC actively participates in international trade fairs and exhibitions, which are essential for building connections with global food producers and expanding market access. U.S. dairy products, particularly cheese, have recently gained popularity in Asia and the Middle East. In March, U.S. dairy export volumes reached their highest levels in over two years, supported by competitive pricing and improved domestic milk production.

Recently, USDEC has advocated for reciprocal tariffs to address trade imbalances, especially with the European Union, while being cautious of potential retaliatory tariffs from countries like Mexico, Canada, and China. A significant development is the signing of a Dairy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Taiwan, in collaboration with the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF), highlighted by USDEC President and CEO Krysta Harden. The strategic addition of 235,000 milking cows indicates efforts to expand the milking herd, noted by economist William Loux from USDEC.

Company Plans

Looking ahead, USDEC plans to enhance its presence in rapidly growing markets, particularly in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The council aims to leverage digital outreach initiatives and strategic market penetration to meet the increasing global demand for U.S. dairy products. Additionally, USDEC is committed to promoting sustainability and innovation in dairy production.

USDEC, along with NMPF, supported the U.S. Department of State's allocation of up to $100 million to expand the use of dairy in global food aid. The council is actively working to enhance trade relationships in Latin America and aims to expand dairy consumption across North America while resisting protectionist barriers by forging institutional ties with key producer groups.

Leadership and Management

Under the leadership of Paul Rovey from 2012 to 2019, USDEC effectively coordinated responses to international trade investigations and advocated for stronger enforcement of market-access commitments. Barbara O'Brien's collaboration has also been instrumental in strengthening the position of dairy in the global market. Krysta Harden, CEO of USDEC, recently participated in a congress held in Medellín, Colombia, showcasing the council's commitment to global engagement.

Modified: 2026/08/11