The latest US dairy export data for April 2025 highlights a growing divide between high- and low-protein whey powder category export volumes. Exports of low-protein whey powders, such as sweet whey and whey permeate, declined sharply, while high-protein powders (WPC80+) saw a strong increase over the month amid growing global demand.
The declining trend of low-protein powder exports largely reflects the ongoing trade tensions between the United States and China, which continue to cast a shadow over whey powder exports to China, according to market sources. April’s figures show a 19% decrease in low-protein whey exports overall, driven primarily by a steep 37% drop in Chinese demand, amounting to a reduction of approximately 7,366 metric tons.
Despite this significant decline, China remains the single largest importer of US low-protein whey powders. Notably, the export volumes to China in April hit their lowest levels since March 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the depth of the current trade challenges. Industry players expressed their caution to Expana over persisting uncertainty surrounding tariffs and trade policies. Even with the current pause on tariffs, many traders remain apprehensive about engaging in further deals with China. Concerns center around lengthy shipping times combined with frequently changing import regulations, which increases the risk of additional fees and logistical complications upon arrival.
On the other hand, exports of high-protein whey products provided contrast in April’s data, posting a robust 29% increase compared to the previous month. Japan emerged as the standout market in this category, with imports of US high-protein whey surging by an impressive 83%. Other regions, including Australia and Europe, also demonstrated growing interest in American whey protein offerings. Looking ahead, industry insiders have shared with Expana that as new production capacity comes online throughout the third and fourth quarters, US high-protein whey products are expected to maintain a price advantage over their European and Oceanian counterparts for much of the year.
Supporting this outlook, the latest spot price data from Expana shows that US Whey Protein Isolate (WPI) is currently trading at a discount compared to European products. This significant price gap bolsters confidence felt by US producers in the competitiveness of the US whey complex and suggests continued strong demand from global buyers seeking high-quality, cost-effective whey protein options. 
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Image source: Adobe
Written by Brittany Feyh
