Exhibiting at FOOD INGREDIENTS CHINA 2025

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors, cooperatives, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USDEC serves as the leading voice of the U.S. dairy export industry, promoting the consumption of American dairy products in more than 100 countries.

Core Mission and Purpose

Established in 1995, USDEC’s mission is to build global demand for U.S. dairy products and ingredients by identifying export opportunities, facilitating international market access, and supporting member companies in their global growth efforts. The organization works closely with U.S. government agencies, trade groups, and foreign stakeholders to create sustainable pathways for U.S. dairy on the world stage.

Its strategic priorities include:

• Market development and promotion
• Trade policy advocacy
• Export readiness and regulatory support
• Technical services and dairy application innovation
• Supply chain competitiveness

Membership and Industry Representation

USDEC represents more than 120 member companies, including:

• Dairy cooperatives and proprietary processors
• Ingredient suppliers and traders
• Dairy exporters and logistics providers
• U.S. state and regional dairy promotion organizations

Together, USDEC’s members account for over 95% of U.S. dairy exports, making it the most influential organization in the industry’s international engagement.

Global Reach and Operations

The Council maintains a presence in key dairy import markets through regional offices in:

• China (Beijing and Shanghai)
• Southeast Asia (Singapore)
• Middle East/North Africa (Dubai)
• Latin America (Mexico City)
• Japan and South Korea

These offices provide market intelligence, technical assistance, buyer engagement, and promotional activities on the ground. USDEC’s international teams conduct hundreds of trade meetings, technical seminars, and product showcase events annually.

Export Records and Market Impact

According to USDA and USDEC data:

• The U.S. exported 2.9 million metric tons of dairy products in 2023.
• Export value exceeded $8 billion, maintaining the U.S. as the world’s second-largest dairy exporter.
• Top export categories included:
  • Skim milk powder
  • Whey products
  • Lactose
  • Cheese
  • Butterfat

Key export markets in 2023:

• Mexico – $1.7 billion
• Southeast Asia – $1.2 billion
• China – $1.0 billion
• Middle East/North Africa – $760 million
• Canada and South Korea – $500+ million each

U.S. dairy exports now account for 18% of total U.S. milk production, up from just 5% in 2000—an achievement largely supported by USDEC’s efforts.

Trade Policy and Market Access

USDEC is instrumental in shaping U.S. trade policy. The organization:

• Works with USTR and USDA to secure free trade agreements and remove trade barriers.
• Leads efforts in global forums such as the WTO, Codex Alimentarius, and bilateral negotiations.
• Successfully advocated for improved export access under the USMCA and U.S.-China Phase One Agreement.

Its Market Access and Regulatory Affairs team helps member companies navigate complex import requirements, certification, and labeling laws.

Technical Expertise and Innovation

USDEC’s Innovation Center and Global Technical Services Team support the industry with:

• Technical application guidance in bakery, beverages, infant nutrition, and dairy foods
• Functional and nutritional formulation support
• Training for international buyers and food technologists

The organization has hosted over 250 global dairy workshops and published technical white papers, helping accelerate new product development in overseas markets using U.S. dairy ingredients.

Sustainability and Social Responsibility

USDEC is aligned with the U.S. Dairy Sustainability Alliance and contributes to the goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 across the U.S. dairy supply chain. The Council promotes the environmental benefits of U.S. dairy, including efficient water use and low greenhouse gas intensity.

Certifications and Compliance

While USDEC does not manufacture dairy products, it ensures all members meet or exceed international standards, including:

• USDA and FDA Export Requirements
• ISO 22000 and FSSC Certification (via suppliers)
• Halal, Kosher, and Organic Certifications
• Codex Alimentarius Guidelines Compliance

The Council also educates international buyers on the U.S. regulatory system and food safety protocols.

Industry Recognition and Impact

• USDEC has been recognized by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service for its role in building export capacity.
• Collaborated with the Food Export Association and the National Milk Producers Federation on trade advocacy.
• Hosts the annual U.S. Dairy Business Conference and Global Dairy Outlook Forum.
• Provides one of the most comprehensive databases of U.S. dairy trade statistics, trends, and reports, used by governments and global buyers.

Major Achievements

• Helped increase U.S. dairy export value by over 300% since 2000
• Opened or expanded access to over 40 international dairy markets
• Supported over 10,000 U.S. jobs directly tied to dairy exports
• Played a key role in building the reputation of U.S. whey and skim milk powder as global nutrition standards
• Developed and implemented global campaigns like “Think U.S. Dairy” and “Nourish the Future” to elevate U.S. dairy branding abroad

The U.S. Dairy Export Council remains at the forefront of dairy globalization, providing the technical, strategic, and policy foundation to ensure long-term success for American dairy in the global economy.