U.S. Cheese Exports Maintain Strong Momentum, Setting Records in October
Source: DairyNews.today
U.S. cheese exports surged in October, hitting a record high for the month with 40,282 metric tons shipped—a 12% year-over-year increase (+4,455 MT), according to the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC). This robust performance underscores the growing international appetite for U.S. cheese, with most varieties recording significant gains.
Exports of fresh cheese, including cream cheese and fresh mozzarella, led the charge with a 22% year-over-year rise (+1,745 MT). Other cheese varieties, such as cheddar and gouda, also showed strength, climbing 21% (+2,344 MT), while shredded cheese exports edged up 5% (+667 MT).
Shifting Production Focus
U.S. cheese manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing exports as domestic demand softens. This strategic pivot has seen production ramp up for varieties favored abroad, such as gouda and mozzarella. Gouda output surged 31% through October, largely driven by demand in Mexico, while mozzarella production rose 4%. Conversely, production of American-style cheeses, less prominent in global markets, fell 4% year-to-date.
Mexico Leads Global Demand
Mexico continues to be a standout market for U.S. cheese, with year-to-date (YTD) exports up 33% (+39,572 MT). October’s shipments to Mexico reached 17,272 MT—a 27% year-over-year gain (+3,693 MT)—marking the third-largest monthly total ever for this key destination.
The growth was fueled by strong demand for gouda, up 33% (+2,078 MT), and shredded cheese, which jumped 30% (+1,596 MT). This performance is particularly notable given the peso’s depreciation against the dollar since June, which has increased the cost of imported products.
Global Market Expansion
While Mexico remains a cornerstone of U.S. cheese exports, other markets also posted impressive gains in October:
South Korea: Up 36% (+1,220 MT)
Australia: Up 67% (+956 MT)
Central America and the Caribbean: Up 14% (+796 MT)
These increases more than offset declines in markets such as China (-62%, -1,010 MT), Canada (-28%, -625 MT), and Southeast Asia (-32%, -580 MT).
With global demand for cheese showing resilience and additional production capacity set to come online, U.S. exporters are well-positioned for sustained growth. Despite currency challenges and regional fluctuations, the outlook remains positive for U.S. cheese on the global stage.
Shifting Production Focus
U.S. cheese manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing exports as domestic demand softens. This strategic pivot has seen production ramp up for varieties favored abroad, such as gouda and mozzarella. Gouda output surged 31% through October, largely driven by demand in Mexico, while mozzarella production rose 4%. Conversely, production of American-style cheeses, less prominent in global markets, fell 4% year-to-date.
Mexico Leads Global Demand
Mexico continues to be a standout market for U.S. cheese, with year-to-date (YTD) exports up 33% (+39,572 MT). October’s shipments to Mexico reached 17,272 MT—a 27% year-over-year gain (+3,693 MT)—marking the third-largest monthly total ever for this key destination.
The growth was fueled by strong demand for gouda, up 33% (+2,078 MT), and shredded cheese, which jumped 30% (+1,596 MT). This performance is particularly notable given the peso’s depreciation against the dollar since June, which has increased the cost of imported products.
Global Market Expansion
While Mexico remains a cornerstone of U.S. cheese exports, other markets also posted impressive gains in October:
South Korea: Up 36% (+1,220 MT)
Australia: Up 67% (+956 MT)
Central America and the Caribbean: Up 14% (+796 MT)
These increases more than offset declines in markets such as China (-62%, -1,010 MT), Canada (-28%, -625 MT), and Southeast Asia (-32%, -580 MT).
With global demand for cheese showing resilience and additional production capacity set to come online, U.S. exporters are well-positioned for sustained growth. Despite currency challenges and regional fluctuations, the outlook remains positive for U.S. cheese on the global stage.
