US cheese production increased 6.7% YOY in December, according to USDA, on an estimated 5.5% rise in manufacturing milk availability. American cheese output rose 6.8% YOY for the month with a 9% increase for cheddar, while “other cheese” varieties (including mozzarella) increased 6.6% YOY.

Combined NFDM and SMP output decreased 6.2% YOY in December, with SMP down 15.2% YOY while NFDM fell 2.7% YOY. Butter production rose 2% YOY in December and 6.7% in 2H-25.

Dry whey output rose 1.2% YOY for the month, with a 3.1% YOY increase in WPC. WPC 50-89.9% output increased 9% YOY, while WPC 25-49.9% products declined 12.8% YOY. WPI production continued to surge, up 11.7% in December, but with a 30% YOY decline in MPC. In 2025, ice cream and sour cream production declined by 2.6% YOY and 0.8% YOY, respectively.