Executive Summary

Chinese dairy import figures were recently updated with values spanning through Apr ’21. Highlights include:

• Chinese dairy imports remained higher on a YOY basis for the 20^th consecutive month throughout Apr ’21, finishing up 36.4% and reaching a record high seasonal level.
• The market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within New Zealand declined most significantly from the previous year throughout Apr ’21, while the market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within the EU-27+UK and the U.S. each finished above previous year levels.
• Growth in Chinese dairy import volumes through the first quarter of 2021 have been led by whey and whole milk powder.

Chinese Customs Data

Apr ’21 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Declined Seasonally From the Previous Month

Apr ’21 Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Declined 9.4% MOM but Remained up 36.4% YOY

Apr ’21 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level

The Apr ’21 YOY Increase in Chinese Dairy Imports was the 20^th Experienced in a Row

New Zealand & the EU-27+UK Accounted for 72% of Total Apr ’21 Chinese Dairy Imports

The Apr ’21 New Zealand Share of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Declined Most Significantly

Chinese Dairy Imports From the EU-27+UK up the Most Over the Past 12 Months

Chinese Dairy Import Volumes by Product (Lagged by One Month)

Supplemental Chinese dairy import breakouts by product are made available by the European Commission, with data lagging the Chinese customs data by one month. Charts highlighting the Chinese import volumes by product through Mar ’21 are shown below.

Whole Milk Powder has Accounted for Over 40% of All Jan-Mar Chinese Dairy Imports

Jan-Mar YOY Increases in Chinese Dairy Imports led by Whey and Whole Milk Powder

Mar ’21 Chinese WMP Import Volumes up 14.1% MOM and 63.0% YOY

Prior Month Chinese WMP Imports Reached the Second Highest Seasonal Level on Record

Prior Month Chinese SMP Import Volumes Down 1.4% MOM but up 22.0% YOY

Prior Month Chinese SMP Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level