Executive Summary

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

• Chinese dairy imports remained higher on a YOY basis for the 25^th consecutive month throughout Sep ’21, finishing 13.4% above the previous year and reaching a record high seasonal level. The YOY increase in Chinese dairy imports was the smallest experienced throughout the past nine months, however.
• The market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within New Zealand increased most significantly from the previous year throughout Sep ’21. The market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within the U.S. finished slightly above previous year levels while the market share of imports originating from the EU-27+UK declined from the previous year.
• Growth in Chinese dairy import volumes through the first two thirds of 2021 have been led by whole milk powder and whey.

Chinese Customs Data

Sep ’21 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Declined to a Seven Month Low Level

Sep ’21 Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Declined 25.6% MOM but Remained 13.4% Higher YOY

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

The Sep ’21 YOY Increase in Chinese Dairy Imports was the 25^th Experienced in a Row

New Zealand & the EU-27+UK Accounted for 68% of Total Sep ’21 Chinese Dairy Imports

The Sep ’21 New Zealand Share of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Increased Most Significantly

Chinese Dairy Imports From New Zealand 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 Aug ’21 are shown below.

Whole Milk Powder has Accounted for Over One Third of All Jan-Aug Chinese Dairy Imports

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

Prior Month Chinese WMP Import Volumes up 0.6% MOM and 142.8% YOY

Prior Month Chinese WMP Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level

Prior Month Chinese SMP Import Volumes Down 26.7% MOM but up 22.8% YOY

Prior Month Chinese SMP Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level