Executive Summary

Chinese dairy import figures were recently updated with values spanning through Feb ’22. Highlights include:

• Chinese dairy imports reached a record high seasonal level for the 11^th time in the past 12 months throughout Feb ’22, finishing 36.3% above previous year levels. The YOY increase in Chinese dairy imports was the 29^th experienced throughout the past 30 months.
• The market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within New Zealand increased most significantly from the previous year throughout Feb ’22, while the market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within the EU-27+UK declined most significantly from previous year levels.
• Growth in Chinese dairy import volumes experienced throughout the 2021 calendar year was led by whole milk powder, followed by whey.

Chinese Customs Data

Feb ’22 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Declined Seasonally From the Previous Month

Feb ’22 Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Declined 45.7% MOM but Finished 36.3% Higher YOY

Feb ’22 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level

The Feb ’22 YOY Increase in Chinese Dairy Imports was the 29^th in the Past 30 Months

New Zealand & the EU-27+UK Accounted for 79% of Total Feb ’22 Chinese Dairy Imports

The Feb ’22 NZ Share of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Increased Most Significantly YOY

Chinese Dairy Imports From New Zealand up the Most Over the Past 12 Months

Chinese Dairy Import Volumes by Product (Through 2021)

Supplemental Chinese dairy import breakouts by product are made available by the European Commission, with data lagging the Chinese customs data. Charts highlighting the Chinese import volumes by product through the end of 2021 are shown below.

Whole Milk Powder has Accounted for Over One Third of All 2021 Chinese Dairy Imports

2021 YOY Increases in Chinese Dairy Imports led by Whole Milk Powder and Whey

Dec ’21 Chinese WMP Import Volumes Finished Down 49.0% MOM and 36.5% YOY

Dec ’21 Chinese WMP Imports Declined to a Four Year Low Seasonal Level

Dec ’21 Chinese SMP Import Volumes Finished Down 37.1% MOM and 21.6% YOY

Dec ’21 Chinese SMP Imports Declined to a Four Year Low Seasonal Level