The United States exports approximately $8 billion worth of dairy products each year to 145 countries, which is equivalent to about one day’s U.S. milk production per week.U.S. dairy exports now exceed domestic consumption, and this trend continues to grow, making international trade increasingly vital for the dairy industry. In response, the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) submitted comments on the 2025 National Trade Estimate (NTE) Report, highlighting various trade barriers such as provisional tariffs on U.S. milk powder to Colombia and long-standing issues like Canada’s milk class policies. IDFA emphasized the importance of a proactive trade agenda to expand market access and maintain competitiveness. They also called for early action to safeguard the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of its 2026 review, noting the reduced focus on new trade deals.
