According to the USDA, exports of dairy products will exceed €5bn in 2017. This comes despite the uncertainty president-elect Donald Trump has created surrounding trade deals and trading with other countries.

“Dairy is increased by $500m (€473m) to $5.3bn (€5bn) as key milk-producing countries reduce milk output, leading to higher global prices, and US exports are expected to expand,” the USDA’s Outlook for US Agricultural Trade reports.

“The election of Donald Trump as US president has introduced an element of uncertainty as the emphasis of the next administration’s economic policy agenda is unknown,” it said.

This is especially prevalent given that Mexico and Canada form two of the top three destinations for US food exports. The two nations buy almost $40bn (€37bn) of food from the US.

On the flip side, the USDA expects imports of dairy produce to rise by $200m (€189m) next year. Kerrygold is the number one imported butter brand in the US.

Total food exports

Dairy will drive overall food exports for the US next year. The USDA is forecasting a $1bn (€946m) increase in total food exports to $134bn (€126bn) for the fiscal year 2017.

Grain and feed exports are expected to increase by $300m (€284m) driven primarily by strong wheat volumes.

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US dairy exports to grow by $500m

US dairy continues to puff out its chest on the global export market and 2017 will be no different according new figures from the US Department of Agriculture (USDA).