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Container tightness does not bother US dairy exporters
Despite the troublesome logistics, the dairy sector in the United States is able to produce excellent export figures. Exports of cheese and skimmed milk powder in particular showed strong growth figures at the end of last year.
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In November, export volume increased by 18% to 192.000 Milk Solids. The underlying value even rose by 31,5% to $667 million, according to figures from the American Dairy Export Federation (USDEC). In 2020, US dairy exports set a record that will most likely be surpassed in 2021. That is striking in a sense, because the country is struggling with major problems logistical disruptions. Various dairy companies have reported significant delays in shipments in recent months.
Skimmed milk powder continues to rise
When we zoom in on the figures, the export of cheese and skimmed milk powder stands out in particular. Skimmed milk powder increased by almost 25% to 76.000 tons in November, making it the largest export product. Never before has the export volume in November been as high as it is now. The lion's share goes to Southeast Asia. The US Agriculture Department predicts further growth for 2022, which the US will probably surpass the EU dethroned as the largest skimmed milk powder exporter.
New export record for cheese?
Cheese exports rose by 40% to 33.500 tonnes in November. Almost half of this concerns grated cheese, followed by cheddar. Cheese exports are going so well that 2021 seems to be heading for a new volume record. The volume growth in exports is not only due to demand, but also due to scaled-up production capacity of, for example, cheddar. Sales of whey powder, the second largest export product, are moving fairly steadily. In November there was a volume growth of 3,7% to 44.000 tons.