In an online panel discussion, U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Tom Vilsack provided a market-by-market outlook of U.S. dairy exports as the world continues to grapple with the economic ripple effects of COVID-19.
Appearing as a guest on DairyLivestream, produced by Hoard’s Dairyman, Vilsack said U.S. dairy exports turned in a strong first quarter of 2020, "suggesting this was going to be a good year.”
The coronavirus changed that forecast as it has changed so many other things as it threatens health and disrupts economies around the world. COVID-19 has clouded the future for U.S. dairy exports
On the May 13 Hoard's panel, moderated by managing editor Corey Geiger, Vilsack explained areas of concern, including the economy of Mexico, the No. 1 U.S. export market, worth $1.5 billion last year. But the former U.S. Agriculture Secretary also expressed optimism about USDEC marketing, partnership and training initiatives, particularly in Southeast Asia, Japan and China.
Working in the U.S. and in 10 international locations, USDEC has been resilient during the pandemic, leveraging technology to reach the world from home offices. Strategies and 2020 plans made before the pandemic are being reimagined to maximize U.S. dairy exports in a fast-changing environment.
Vilsack's forward-looking, around-the-world analysis provided so many insights we are offering three ways to access it:
Recorded video by Hoard's Dairyman.
Audio captured by USDEC on SoundCloud.
Text excerpts edited by USDEC for brevity and clarity, illustrated with images from social media posts.
