U.S. dairy exports in 2022 will mostly continue to speed down the expressway, albeit with different drivers. First, let’s talk about how 2021 has played out because some of the trends from this year will extend into the next.
Despite logistics problems, relatively high dairy prices, collapsing margins for hog farmers in China, and multiple waves of COVID-19 causing disruptions in importing countries, U.S. exports are on track for a new record high in 2021. January through July, U.S. milk-equivalent exports are up 12% from last year — with cheese up 5%, whole milk powder up 8%, nonfat dried milk/skim milk powder up 10%, dry whey up 19% and butter up 132%. Exports during the second half of the year might slow down a bit, but we’re still looking at a very positive 2021.