US Dairy Export Council

The US Dairy Export Council (USDEC) plays a pivotal role in the American dairy industry, primarily focusing on increasing the export of U.S. dairy products and advocating for favorable trade policies. The organization is instrumental in driving growth and addressing international trade challenges that the sector faces.

Leadership and Advocacy

Shawna Morris serves as the Executive Vice President at both the National Milk Producers Federation and the US Dairy Export Council. Her leadership has been crucial in navigating complex trade environments and ensuring fair trade practices. Under her guidance, USDEC actively tackles issues such as Canada's exploitation of trade loopholes under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), emphasizing the council's commitment to protecting U.S. dairy export interests.

Export Performance and Financial Indicators

In January 2026, USDEC reported a significant 12% increase in milk solids equivalent volume, indicating a positive trend in U.S. dairy exports. Despite a 5% decrease in June 2026 compared to the same month in the previous year, overall U.S. dairy exports grew by 9% in milk-solids-equivalent terms during the first half of 2026. The value of these exports increased by 12% to $5.31 billion, while cheese exports soared by 24%.

Strategic Expansion Plans

The US Dairy Export Council is actively pursuing expansion in Sub-Saharan Africa. The council is focused on developing trade links, improving cold-chain capacity, and collaborating with local partners in countries such as Kenya, Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast.

Trade Disputes and Market Dynamics

USDEC is involved in a cheese trade dispute with Mexico, with Executive Vice President Jaime Castaneda rejecting Mexico's stance on cheese trade practices. This highlights ongoing trade tensions and the council's commitment to defending U.S. dairy interests. Additionally, USDEC has reported increasing global butter supplies, noting that the U.S. price advantage has narrowed and that year-on-year butterfat gains will be more challenging towards the end of the year.

Advocacy Efforts

The council continues to advocate for the removal of retaliatory duties on American dairy shipments, further demonstrating their dedication to protecting U.S. dairy export interests.