U.S. dairy industry focuses on Southeast Asia as key export market

The U.S. Center for Dairy Excellence has launched a new website focused on a long-term commitment to Southeast Asia.

The region, including countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam, last year surpassed Mexico to become the United States’ No. 1 dairy export market by volume, according to USDEC. The region ranked No. 2 for sales, buying $1.26 billion in U.S. dairy products and ingredients, a 36% increase over the previous year, the organization said.

Given the growing importance of the region for the U.S. dairy industry, the U.S. Dairy Export Council officially opened the Center for Dairy Excellence, which is based in Singapore.

The center gives the American dairy industry a bricks-and-mortar physical presence in Southeast Asia, said USDEC president and CEO Krysta Harden.