WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. dairy exports are reaching new records as cheese and butter shipments expand into more global markets. USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service says rising milk production, new processing capacity, and favorable prices are strengthening the country’s export position.
Butter exports grew 148 percent over the past year, while cheese shipments increased 21 percent. Those two products generated about two-thirds of the increase in total U.S. dairy export value.
Export growth is also becoming less dependent on Canada and Mexico. North America’s share of butter shipments fell from 72 percent in 2024 to 44 percent across 2025 and the first five months of 2026 as sales expanded across Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa.
U.S. cheese exports are forecast to rise 23 percent in 2026 to 751,000 metric tons. Butter exports are projected to increase 40 percent to 171,000 metric tons.
Continued export growth will be important as domestic milk output increases. Strong foreign demand could absorb additional production, limit inventory buildup, and support producer milk prices.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Expanding cheese and butter exports provide a critical outlet for growing U.S. milk production.