WASHINGTON, February 19, 2026—The U.S. dairy industry exported $9.51 billion in dairy products in 2025, nearing the record high of $9.54 billion set in 2022 and marking a significant 15% increase over 2024, according to calendar year 2025 data released today by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The milestone underscores strong global demand for high-quality U.S. dairy products and reflects the industry’s success in expanding and diversifying export markets worldwide.
The dairy category stood out within the broader U.S. agricultural export portfolio in 2025, posting significant year-over-year gains in both value and volume. Exports totaled 2.8 million metric tons in 2025, a 5% increase over 2024. Growth in 2025 was driven by expanding demand in the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and South America — regions that are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening and diversifying U.S. dairy exports.
“This near-record year demonstrates that U.S. dairy exporters are succeeding in diversifying both markets and product portfolios,” said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “Growth across North Africa, South Asia, the Middle East, South America, and the European Union reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce concentration risk, deepen customer relationships, and compete in emerging and established markets alike. Today, U.S. dairy exports reach 143 countries, and our product mix spans consumer-ready foods, high-value ingredients, and specialized nutrition products — a level of diversification that strengthens long-term export resilience.”
“Looking ahead, our industry is poised for even greater growth. A renewed trade agenda that expands market access, strengthens enforcement, and opens new opportunities in Southeast Asia, Latin America, North Africa and the Middle East will allow U.S. dairy exporters to compete and win in markets around the globe.”
U.S. Dairy Export Growth in 2025 by Region
- North Africa: Exports surged 107% by value and 69% by volume, reflecting accelerating demand across the region.
- Middle East: Exports grew 48% by value and 19% by volume, driven largely by processed cheese, sweetened milk powder, whey protein powder and concentrate, lactose, and natural milk products.
- South Asia: Exports grew 63% by value and 25% by volume, led by strong growth in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. U.S. dairy exports to India alone increased 71% by value and 31% by volume.
- South America: Exports grew 14% by value and 7% by volume.
- Central America: Exports grew 19% by value and 13% by volume.
- North America: Exports grew 6% by value and 2% by volume.
- East Asia: Exports grew 14% by value and 2% by volume.
- European Union: Exports increased 61% by value and 69% by volume.
- Sub-Saharan Africa: Exports grew 9% by value.
Demand for higher-fat dairy products from the U.S. experienced tremendous growth. Global export volumes grew by around 165% for butter and milk fat; and 56% for whole milk powders. Dairy spreads, whey protein concentrates, and cheese were also among the strongest-performing categories in 2025, highlighting global demand for both value-added ingredients and consumer-ready dairy products.
The U.S. dairy industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs in the United States and pumps almost $800 billion into the U.S. economy, is investing over $11 billion in new processing capacity that will come online in the next few years. The industry relies on trade agreements to open new markets and increase exports. After being a net importer of dairy products a decade ago, the United States now exports $9.5 billion worth of dairy products to 143 countries. U.S. dairy exports nearly tripled since the early 2000s, and the United States became the world’s third-largest dairy product exporter behind New Zealand and the European Union (EU). As U.S. milk production continues to increase over the next decade, expanding markets will become even more vital to ensure the global competitiveness of the industry and to boost the American economy.
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Contact: press@idfa.org
The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3 million jobs that generate $198 billion in direct wages and $779 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages.