WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2025—Michael Dykes, D.V.M., president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), released the following statement today following the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Jamieson Greer as U.S. Trade Representative:

“On behalf our nation’s dairy supply chain, IDFA congratulates Ambassador Greer on his confirmation as U.S. Trade Representative. The U.S. dairy industry is ready to capitalize on a renewed trade agenda in 2025. U.S. dairy exports are performing well—topping $8.2 billion in 2024, the industry’s second-highest level ever—but we can do more. For too long, our exports to Canada have yet to fulfill the promises of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) because Canadian policies continue to prevent American exporters from filling their tariff-rate quotas. Demand remains soft in key markets such as China and Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Malaysia, illustrating the need for a strategic approach to trade with markets in the Asia Pacific region. But with new trade agreements that remove obstacles and increase market access, we wouldn’t just break records—we would redefine the global dairy landscape for decades to come. IDFA looks forward to working with Amb. Greer to establish a new ‘golden age’ of U.S. dairy trade.”

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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 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 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.