Article Focus Summary:
This article provides a detailed analysis of China’s dairy import and export trends from January to April 2025. It highlights key figures, category-wise data, country sources, and strategic market dynamics, emphasizing a 14.4% growth in dry dairy product imports and an 89.9% surge in exports, despite domestic surplus conditions.
Overview: Strong Import Momentum Despite Domestic Surplus
From January to April 2025, China imported a total of 955,100 tons of dairy products, marking a 9.2% increase year-on-year, with the import value reaching USD 4.297 billion—a 22% rise. When converted to raw milk equivalents, this equates to approximately 6.16 million tons, up 13.6% year-on-year.
Dry dairy products continue to dominate imports, recording a 14.4% year-on-year increase to 743,100 tons, with a total import value of USD 3.813 billion (up 25%). Meanwhile, liquid dairy imports totaled 211,900 tons, increasing 6% year-on-year, with a value of USD 484 million (up 2.4%).
Key Import Categories and Source Countries
Whole Milk Powder (WMP)
- Import Volume: 289,200 tons (+2.5% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 1.121 billion (+17.8% YoY)
- Average Price: USD 3,878/ton (+14.9%)
- Main Sources: New Zealand (88.3%), Australia (6.4%), EU (4%)
Infant Formula
- Import Volume: 66,900 tons (+16.8% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 1.354 billion (+21.4% YoY)
- Average Price: USD 20,234/ton (+4%)
- Main Sources: EU (65.4%), New Zealand (31.1%)
Cheese
- Import Volume: 63,300 tons (+10.6% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 342 million (+16.7%)
- Average Price: USD 5,401/ton (+5.5%)
- Main Sources: New Zealand (66.5%), Australia (15.4%), EU (11.6%), USA (3.5%)
Cream
- Import Volume: 58,900 tons (+32.1% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 464 million (+67.1%)
- Average Price: USD 7,884/ton (+26.6%)
- Main Sources: New Zealand (90.8%), EU (8.3%)
Whey Products
- Import Volume: 243,500 tons (+31.8% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 293 million (+30.9%)
- Average Price: USD 1,203/ton (-0.7%)
- Main Sources: USA (42.1%), EU (30.3%), Belarus (9.5%), Turkey (5.3%)
Yogurt
- Import Volume: 5,100 tons (+23.8% YoY)
- Import Value: USD 12 million (+11.1%)
- Average Price: USD 2,405/ton (-10.3%)
- Main Sources: EU (85.9%), New Zealand (6.6%)
Export Dynamics: Surging Shipments Despite Limited Volume
Despite relatively modest total volumes, China’s dairy exports rose sharply in the first four months of 2025. Export volume reached 38,500 tons, up 89.9% year-on-year, while export value surged by 47.2% to USD 120 million.
The leading export products were whole milk powder, infant formula, and condensed milk, with the Hong Kong SAR remaining the primary destination. Notably, whole milk powder exports skyrocketed by 355% year-on-year. This surge is attributed to domestic oversupply of raw milk, which has lowered production costs for dairy manufacturers and enhanced export price competitiveness.
Market Insights and Strategic Implications
Even in the face of domestic milk surpluses and falling raw milk prices, China’s dairy import demand remains strong, reflecting continued consumer preference for diversified and high-quality dairy options. Meanwhile, the spike in exports suggests an emerging global competitiveness for Chinese dairy processors, particularly in the powdered milk segment.
As global dairy trade dynamics evolve, China’s import and export structure is likely to shift further, driven by domestic supply challenges, consumer trends, and international market conditions.
