U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC)
By U.S. Dairy Export Council
Last reviewed: December 2025
Complete guide to U.S. Dairy Export Council international dairy trade promotion. Learn about export market development, trade support, and global dairy...
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) works to develop and expand international markets for U.S. dairy products. Funded through dairy checkoff contributions and industry membership, USDEC serves as the export promotion and trade policy arm of America's dairy industry.
U.S. dairy exports have grown dramatically, now representing over 17% of U.S. milk production equivalent and valued at $8+ billion annually. Key export products include nonfat dry milk, cheese, whey products, and lactose. Major markets include Mexico, Southeast Asia, Middle East/North Africa, and China.
USDEC maintains offices and staff globally to develop buyer relationships, promote U.S. dairy quality, and support American exporters. The organization conducts market research, organizes trade missions, exhibits at international food shows, and provides technical assistance to buyers.
Trade policy advocacy is critical. USDEC works with government officials on trade agreements, market access issues, and sanitary/phytosanitary standards. The organization represents industry interests in negotiations affecting dairy trade.
Membership includes dairy cooperatives, proprietary processors, and trading companies engaged in export. These members receive enhanced services beyond checkoff-funded baseline activities.
For U.S. dairy farmers, strong exports support milk prices by expanding demand beyond the domestic market. Every 1% increase in exports represents significant additional demand for U.S. milk production.
Key Features
- Market Development: Opening new international markets. Building buyer relationships. Technical support for customers.
- Exporter Support: Trade leads. Market intelligence. Export documentation assistance. Trade show participation.
- Trade Policy Advocacy: Representing dairy in trade negotiations. Market access advocacy. Regulatory engagement.
- Global Offices: Staff in key markets: Mexico, Southeast Asia, Middle East, China. Local presence and relationships.
- Market Research: Export statistics. Market reports. Competitor analysis. Opportunity identification.
- Trade Missions: Buyer visits to U.S. Exporter missions abroad. Relationship building.
Advanced Features
- Think Export Program: Encouraging new exporters. Small company support. Export basics education.
- Technical Services: Product application support. Formulation assistance. Quality troubleshooting.
- Supplier Catalog: Database connecting international buyers with U.S. suppliers. Business matchmaking.
- ThinkUSAdairy.org: Buyer-facing website. Product information. Supplier connections. Market intelligence.
- Promotional Events: International food shows. Sampling programs. Chef demonstrations.
- Sustainability Messaging: Communicating U.S. dairy sustainability story globally. Competitive advantage.
Ideal For
Farm Types: All U.S. dairy farms (benefit from export demand), All production systems
Competitive Advantages
What sets U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) apart from alternatives:
- $8+ billion annual dairy export value
- 17%+ of U.S. milk production exported
- Global office network
- Trade policy influence
- Buyer relationship infrastructure
- Market research capability
- Technical service support
- Checkoff + membership funding
- Cooperative/processor engagement
- Growing export trajectory
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC):
USDEC funded through $0.15/cwt checkoff and industry. Promotes U.S. dairy exports globally.
Pricing Model: Funded through checkoff and industry ($0.15/cwt base)
Prices verified Q1 2024. Trade services available to exporters.
Pros & Considerations
- Expands international markets for U.S. dairy
- Trade policy advocacy and market access
- Market intelligence and export support
- Connects exporters with buyers globally
- Checkoff-funded benefit for all producers
- Benefits most visible to exporters
- Individual producer impact is indirect
- Trade is politically sensitive
- Market development takes years
Implementation & Setup
How to implement U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Ongoing—continuous market development and support.
Training & Support
Training and support options available for U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC):
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC):
- How do exports affect my milk price?
- What markets are growing for U.S. dairy?
- Is my cooperative/processor a USDEC member?
- What trade policy issues affect exports?
- How can I support export growth?