The trade stakes are high for the dairy industry

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.

Related Stories
At CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses profitability, consumer demand, and how the integrated U.S.–Canada beef supply chain impacts cattle producers across North America.
Texas cowboy chef and host of RFD Network’s Twisted Skillet, Sean Koehler, shares an elote-style street corn dip just in time for Super Bowl Sunday. This skillet-cooked corn dish combines open-fire cooking and bold regional flavors for a delicious twist on Mexican Street Corn.
The USDA’s February WASDE report looms as the CME Ag Economy Barometer shows declining farmer confidence, and more ag industry groups calling for swift policy action.
The U.S. trade deal with Argentina creates new export opportunities for U.S. livestock and crop producers but also raises competitive concerns.
Policies aimed at ground beef prices may primarily reshape dairy incentives rather than deliver lasting consumer savings.
More flexible export financing could strengthen demand in emerging markets and support higher U.S. agricultural exports.
Incremental trade clarity with India could support select U.S. ag exports, but major gains hinge on future market-access talks.
Jones Hamilton Company shares insights on herd health, efficiency, and innovation for cattle producers this year at NCBA CattleCon in Nashville.
The phone call injected optimism into the soybean market, but actual Chinese buying and its timing will ultimately determine the extent of U.S. agricultural export benefits.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew discusses the urgent need for aid as farm families face mounting input costs and long-term market uncertainty.
Bradley Roy was the youngest angler to compete in a Bassmaster Elite Series event. Now, he’s prepping to hit the water with MLF Hall of Famer Greg “The Rooster” Vinson in the Team Series Patriot Cup.
Stories like this remind us what FFA is all about — leadership, service, and growth.
The new antitrust agreement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) aims to enforce antitrust laws and monitor market activity across the ag sector.
President Donald Trump says a deal is nearly done on lowering beef prices, but he has not released details.