Hay
U.S. Hay Exports in 2023
Total Export Value
$1.34 Billion
Total Volume (Millions)
3.21 Metric Tons
3-Year Average
$1.51 Billion
Compound Average Growth
2.4% (2014-2023)
| Market | Total Value (USD) |
|---|---|
| China | $398.19 Million |
| Japan | $368.51 Million |
| Saudi Arabia | $219.44 Million |
| South Korea | $148.53 Million |
| United Arab Emirates | $67.91 Million |
| Taiwan | $58.18 Million |
| Canada | $30.85 Million |
| Qatar | $20.37 Million |
| Oman | $4.84 Million |
| Kuwait | $3.53 Million |
Data and Analysis
China's demand for imported forages, mainly alfalfa hay, has been affected by weak market demand for dairy products and the falling price of fresh milk. Although dairy consumption remained stable, oversupply of milk became a challenge due to the excessive investment in dairy farming over the last few years.
In 2021, Chinese imports of alfalfa pellets hit record levels of 52,254 metric tons (MT) and $13.66 million by value, increases of 62 percent and 70 percent respectively. The market is dominated by Spanish-origin pellets.
As the 14th largest export destination, the United Kingdom (UK) has been an important and growing market for U.S. agricultural products. Shared heritage and cultural ties have continued to bolster U.S.-UK trade. The United States is the second largest UK agricultural supplier, behind the European Union (EU). The market presents many opportunities for intermediate and consumer-oriented products.
News and Features
China’s growing middle class and rising demand for high-quality food products have led to a boom in the country’s dairy sector. With the help of USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and the Cochran Fellowship Program, U.S. alfalfa hay producers...