WASHINGTON, December 7, 2020—The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) shined a spotlight on the October export data released Friday by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). IDFA Vice President of Trade Policy and International Affairs Becky Rasdall issued the following statement:

“The October 2020 data shows U.S. dairy exports continuing to set a strong pace across the board. Of the high performers in the latest data, IDFA notes significant growth in dried and modified whey and milk powder exports to China, unsurprising given China’s swine herd restocking goals; in skim milk powder and lactose to Indonesia; in skim milk powder and various kinds of whey and lactose to Vietnam; in skim milk powder and cheeses to Colombia; and in cheese, lactose, and cream to Taiwan.

“After months of downward trends in dairy exports to Mexico, October saw a modest increase again, despite the shipment problems experienced by many bulk, foodservice, and ingredient exporters in the first half of the month.

“Overall, October 2020 is a top-tier month for U.S. dairy exports by both value and volume, creating the possibility that 2020 could be the best year for U.S. dairy exports since 2014. Year to date, the United States has exported $5.45 billion in value and 2.023 MMT in volume of dairy products to countries around the world, outperforming 2019 by 12% and 13%, respectively.”

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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 $159 billion in wages and $620 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 90 percent 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.