U.S. dairy exports rise 9% in the first half

Robust gains in cheese, butterfat and low-protein whey keep U.S. dairy exports on a record pace.

This follow-up to the June post takes a closer look at first-half trends, growth, and challenges that might lie ahead. USDEC plans to continue doing these deeper dives into U.S. dairy trade on the quarter.

U.S. dairy exports rose 9% in milk solid equivalent (MSE) terms in the first half of 2026. Robust global demand, particularly for U.S. cheese and butterfat, helped put U.S. dairy trade on a record pace for the year.

Export value grew 12% to $5.31 billion, a growth rate that, if maintained, would vault annual exports above the $10 billion mark for the first time. Here are some highlights:

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August 20, 2026

dairybusiness.com