The dairy industry is keeping a close eye on trade policies. The U.S. exports a little more than 15 percent of dairy products, meaning access to global markets affects supply and prices.
‘Dairy has big stakes in export markets. We export about 16 or 17% of our production, so if we lose those or lose a portion of them, then that means products are backing up into the U.S., and unless we find new homes for those, either domestically or in other markets, then prices drop because we have too much supply. So, the stakes are very high for dairy, and of course, our three biggest markets are Mexico, Canada, and China,” said National Milk Producers Federation’s Chris Galen.
Canada and Mexico are top markets for U.S. dairy exports, with ongoing efforts to strengthen ties. Meanwhile, China remains the largest market.
Trade volatility and shifting export destinations increase marketing risk for producers heading into 2026.
January 18, 2026 07:00 AM
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RFD NEWS Correspondent Frank McCaffrey speaks with Texas’s Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Vicente Gonzalez about USMCA renegotiation and its impact on U.S.–Mexico agriculture trade.
January 17, 2026 05:00 PM
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Shaun Haney joined us to discuss Canada’s new trade agreement with China, the potential impact on farmers and exporters, and what it could mean for U.S.–Canada trade relations going forward.
January 16, 2026 01:16 PM
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National Corn Growers Association Chief Economist Krista Swanson discusses corn supply pressures, market fundamentals, policy considerations, and producer outlook for the year ahead.
January 16, 2026 01:13 PM
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Congressman Dusty Johnson of South Dakota joined us to discuss key ag policy developments and his outlook for agriculture in 2026.
January 15, 2026 12:51 PM
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Tight beef cow supplies and steady demand point to continued record-level cull cow prices in 2026.
January 15, 2026 11:23 AM
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