US Dairy Exports in 2026 Show Strong Growth in Cheese and Butter

US dairy exports started 2026 with considerable momentum, continuing the robust trends observed at the end of 2025. According to the US Dairy Export Council, the milk solids equivalent (MSE) volume rose by 12% in January, following a 13% gain in December, marking the highest January on record in terms of MSE volume. This growth was largely driven by increases in cheese and butterfat shipments, along with a rare double-digit growth in nonfat dry milk/skim milk powder (NFDM/SMP).

While the volume of exports rose significantly, the value increase was more subdued, growing by 4% to reach $740 million (€641 million). This slower growth in value was attributed to falling prices for US cheese and butter during the latter half of the previous year.

Cheese exports saw an 11% year-on-year increase, reaching 51,688 metric tonnes (MT), slightly above the 2025 monthly average of 51,087 MT. Australia emerged as a significant market, with cheese exports to the country increasing by 46%, adding 1,436 MT. However, exports to Japan saw a notable decline, dropping 24% or 1,375 MT, marking the first decrease in nearly a year.

Butter sales continued their impressive growth streak, posting the ninth consecutive month of triple-digit year-on-year increases. The volume of butter exports rose by 187%, totaling 9,194 MT. A significant portion of this increase was driven by the Middle East/North Africa region, which saw a volume rise of 2,511 MT compared to the previous year.