US cheese production rose 0.9% YOY in December according to the USDA, compared to an estimated 0.4% decline in the availability of “manufacturing milk.” American cheese output rose 0.5% YOY for the month (with a 2% decline for cheddar) while “other cheese” (including mozzarella) increased 1.3%.

Combined NFDM & SMP output fell 15.9% YOY in December, with SMP and NFDM down by 24.3% and 12.7% respectively. Butter production rose 4.4% YOY in December. Dry whey production declined 6.1% YOY for the month, with a 1% YOY increase in WPC, reflecting another solid month for WPC 50-89.9% products (+12% YOY). Output of WPC 25-49.9% fell for the 4th consecutive month in December, down 17.8% YOY.