Global Markets
Why International Trade Matters to U.S. Dairy Processors
Global trade is one of the most critical components of the U.S. dairy industry today. The potential for U.S. dairy exports has grown significantly over the past few years, with the total value of our dairy exports in 2008 reaching over $3.8 billion - a 26 percent increase over 2007. However, with only 9.5 percent of total milk production being sold overseas in 2007 there is considerable room for lasting growth.
Continued expansion overseas is the market's logical progression for the dairy processing industry. The U.S. market in particular is fairly mature, meaning that domestic consumption of dairy products has leveled off (with the one significant exception of cheese). Demand abroad, however, is growing rapidly. Both developing and developed markets account for about 96 percent of all consumers, which is simply too broad a consumer base to ignore. This substantial percentage of consumers found abroad is due in large part to the changing socioeconomic landscape of developing countries, specifically in Asia. As nations such as China and India become wealthier their citizens' diets change accordingly and start to include nutrient-rich foods such as dairy products.
These opportunities for growth in the U.S. dairy export market are not met without challenges however. Trade-distorting government programs promoting export subsidies, tariffs and income support mechanisms are prohibiting some U.S. exports from meeting their full growth potential. In addition, these tariff and non-tariff barriers are preventing multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations from progressing. A serious commitment by the U.S. government alongside support from U.S. industry is necessary to achieve enforceable trade agreements that eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers to trade and increase export opportunities for our dairy industry.
Articles
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August 23, 2010
S. Korea Free Trade Pact Back on U.S. Agenda -
August 17, 2010
Mexico Adds Tariffs in Trucking Dispute -
August 15, 2010
Chinese Health Ministry Clears Milk Powder in Latest Scare -
August 6, 2010
Senate Approves Price Reporting Bill, Pushes Trade Agenda -
August 6, 2010
IDFA Outlines Surge in U.S. Dairy Exports -
August 3, 2010
Meat from Cloned Cow Offspring in UK Food Chain -
August 1, 2010
Hurdles Deter Obama’s Pledge to Double Exports -
July 22, 2010
Foreign Companies in China Sound Off on Business Policies -
July 13, 2010
China to Tighten Rules on Food Safety -
July 7, 2010
European Parliament Seeks Ban on Foods From Cloned Animals -
July 1, 2010
UN Food Safety Meeting to Consider Melamine Limit -
June 23, 2010
Schumer Feels Pressure on His China Bill -
June 8, 2010
As Growth in U.S. slows, Wal-Mart Puts More Emphasis on Foreign Stores -
May 17, 2010
Otter's Trade Mission to China Slated for June -
April 27, 2010
IDFA Calls on U.S. Leaders to Intervene in Threatened Shut out of U.S. Dairy Exports to China -
April 26, 2010
Ag notebook for April 25 -
February 19, 2010
USDA Expected to Delay Changes to European Export Requirements -
February 12, 2010
USDA Announces Changes to European Export Requirements -
July 14, 2009
IDFA Chairman Asks Congress for Long-term Policy Solutions to Help U.S. Dairy Industry Thrive -
May 19, 2009
Proposed Rule on Dairy Import Assessment to Change Check-off Program -
May 18, 2009
USDA Set to Announce Proposed Rule on Dairy Import Assessment -
March 9, 2009
Obama Outlines Trade Policy Agenda in USTR Address -
February 17, 2009
U.S. Dairy Exports Set Another Record in 2008 -
January 26, 2009
Bush Finalizes U.S.-Peru Trade Agreement during Final Days in Office



