U.S. Dairy Export Council USDEC Export Development
By U.S. Dairy Export Council
Last reviewed: December 2025
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) increases global demand for U.S. dairy products through market development, trade policy advocacy, and buyer...
Quick Snapshot
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) increases global demand for U.S. dairy products through market development, trade policy advocacy, and buyer connections, representing the export interests of U.S. dairy farmers and processors.
Overview
The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) was founded in 1995 to develop and expand global markets for U.S. dairy products. The organization is funded through the national dairy checkoff program and represents the export interests of U.S. dairy farmers, proprietary processors, cooperatives, and trading companies.
USDEC works in key international markets to build demand for U.S. dairy products including cheese, butter, milk powders, whey products, and lactose. The organization connects buyers with suppliers, provides market intelligence, and supports trade policy that opens and maintains access to foreign markets.
With offices and representatives around the world, USDEC provides on-the-ground support in priority markets. The organization also advocates on trade policy issues, working to remove barriers and ensure U.S. dairy has fair access to growing global markets.
For U.S. dairy farmers, USDEC's work matters because exports now account for approximately one day's worth of production each week—growing these markets supports milk prices domestically.
Ideal Users
Farm Types: All U.S. dairy farms benefit from export development
Herd Size: Industry-wide impact
Key Roles: Dairy farmers, Cooperative leaders, Processors, Exporters, Trading companies
Geographic Focus: U.S. dairy industry serving global markets
Key Features
Market Development
In-market programs to build demand for U.S. dairy in key export destinations
Buyer-Supplier Connections
Trade missions, shows, and programs connecting international buyers with U.S. suppliers
Market Intelligence
Research and analysis on global dairy markets, trends, and opportunities
Trade Policy Advocacy
Works to open markets, remove barriers, and enforce trade agreements
Technical Support
Helps U.S. suppliers meet international requirements and specifications
Advanced Capabilities
Export Guide (Members)
Comprehensive database of tariffs, import requirements, and labeling standards by country
In-Market Representation
USDEC staff and representatives in key markets worldwide
International Demand Analysis
Regular reports on global dairy trade factors and forecasts
Sustainability Messaging
Communicates U.S. dairy's sustainability story to international customers
Integrations & Partnerships
Works With: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, USTR, NMPF, Dairy Management Inc.
Data Flow: Market intelligence gathered globally; shared with U.S. industry
Industry Standards: International trade standards, Country-specific import requirements, Codex Alimentarius
Competitive Advantages
Getting Started
Timeline: Membership and engagement varies by company type
Infrastructure: Access to export resources, market intelligence, and buyer programs
Migration: N/A - industry organization
Tips for Success:
Training & Support
Training: Webinars, market briefings, trade show participation
Support Channels: USDEC staff, regional representatives
Community: Industry events, trade missions, buyer programs
Pricing
Model: Checkoff-funded with membership options
Summary: Core activities funded by dairy checkoff; supplier membership provides enhanced access to resources and programs
Notes: Contact USDEC for supplier membership information
Evaluation Questions
Recommended Reading
Recommended Viewing
Key Features
- Market Development: In-market programs to build demand for U.S. dairy in key export destinations
- Buyer-Supplier Connections: Trade missions, shows, and programs connecting international buyers with U.S. suppliers
- Market Intelligence: Research and analysis on global dairy markets, trends, and opportunities
- Trade Policy Advocacy: Works to open markets, remove barriers, and enforce trade agreements
- Technical Support: Helps U.S. suppliers meet international requirements and specifications
Advanced Features
- Export Guide (Members): Comprehensive database of tariffs, import requirements, and labeling standards by country
- In-Market Representation: USDEC staff and representatives in key markets worldwide
- International Demand Analysis: Regular reports on global dairy trade factors and forecasts
- Sustainability Messaging: Communicates U.S. dairy's sustainability story to international customers
Ideal For
Farm Types: All U.S. dairy farms benefit from export development
Competitive Advantages
What sets USDEC Export Development apart from alternatives:
- 30 years of dairy export development experience
- Global network of in-market representatives
- Direct connection to checkoff resources for promotion
- Deep trade policy expertise and advocacy capability
- Comprehensive market intelligence and buyer connections
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for USDEC Export Development:
USDEC core activities are funded by the national dairy checkoff program, which means all U.S. dairy farmers already contribute through their mandatory checkoff assessment (currently $0.15 per cwt). Supplier membership provides enhanced access.
Pricing Model: Checkoff-funded with optional supplier membership
The dairy checkoff assessment of $0.15/cwt on all milk marketed funds USDEC export promotion activities. Suppliers can join as members for additional benefits.
Pros & Considerations
- Opens international markets for U.S. dairy
- Trade policy and market access advocacy
- Export market intelligence and research
- Trade show and buyer connection support
- Checkoff-funded benefit for all producers
- Benefits most visible to exporters and processors
- Individual producer impact is indirect
- International trade is politically sensitive
- Market development takes years to show results
Implementation & Setup
How to implement USDEC Export Development on your dairy operation:
Implementation Timeline: Membership and engagement varies by company type
Training & Support
Training and support options available for USDEC Export Development:
Support Channels:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating USDEC Export Development:
- How do exports affect milk prices on my farm?
- What markets offer the best opportunities for U.S. dairy growth?
- How can my cooperative or processor engage with USDEC programs?
- What trade barriers currently limit U.S. dairy exports?
- How does USDEC communicate U.S. dairy's sustainability advantages?