S. Korea Is Top Asian Importer of U.S. Cheese

S. Korea imports more U.S. cheese than any nation except Mexico as its cheese consumption doubled between 2006 and 2010. During the first seven months of 2011 S. Korea imported $98 million worth of cheese, up 25% over the same period of 2009.

Total U.S. cheese exports for 2010 were 173,531 metric tons valued at $694 million, according to USDA. The leading importers were Mexico, South Korea and Japan. Growth in 2010 shipments was driven by a 77% jump in demand from S. Korea and a 112% jump in demand from Japan. Exports to the Middle East/North Africa soared 204 percent, albeit from a much lower base.

Mexico remained the largest market for U.S. cheese, buying 108 million lbs. Overall U.S. cheese exports jumped 60% in 2010 to 383 million pounds, amounting to 3.7 percent of total production.

U.S. imports of cheese were 138,533 MT valued at $966 million. The leading sources were Italy and France.