Suber, speaking at USDEC’s annual board and membership meeting in Chicago in October, said U.S. exporters have capitalized in 2013 on reduced supply from other countries, steady global dairy demand and favorable pricing. More than 15% of U.S. milk production now goes to exports.

“Reliance upon exports is not just an aspiration in our industry. It’s a reality,” said Suber. “Looking ahead, the reality is that exports must not just continue, but continue to grow. Put another way, exports must grow or our industry largely stagnates.”

In a separate address, Tim Hunt, global dairy strategist for Rabobank, said a global shortage of dairy products is expected to continue, driving continued growth for U.S. exports in 2014.

“In the next six months, the United States is likely to be the region with the most additional supply available to grow exports,” Hunt told USDEC members. “In addition, the United States looks to be entering a period of enhanced competitiveness.”

Meanwhile, key buyers, most notably China, are looking to diversify their supply.

“Therefore, the time is right to vigorously pursue export development,” Hunt said.

In a keynote address, Yale economist Jeffrey Garten predicted “a third industrial revolution, led by the United States,” which will benefit from increasing energy independence, innovative public-private partnerships and technological prowess.

“It’s a world of complexity, of big change, where there are lots and lots of risks and unknowns,” said Garten. “But as your industry has shown, it’s a world where those who are strategic and understand the risks can do extremely well.”

 — Contributed by USDEC.