Executive Summary

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

• Chinese dairy imports remained higher on a YOY basis for the 21^st consecutive month throughout May ’21, finishing up 82.0% and reaching a record high seasonal level. The YOY increase in Chinese dairy imports was the largest experienced throughout the past three and a half years on a percentage basis.
• The market share of Chinese dairy imports originating from within the EU-27+UK increased most significantly from the previous year throughout May ’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 New Zealand declined from the previous year.
• Growth in Chinese dairy import volumes through the first four months of 2021 have been led by whey and whole milk powder.

Chinese Customs Data

May ’21 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Rebounded to a Four Month High Level

May ’21 Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Increased 13.1% MOM and 82.0% YOY

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

The May ’21 YOY Increase in Chinese Dairy Imports was the 21^st Experienced in a Row

New Zealand & the EU-27+UK Accounted for 76% of Total May ’21 Chinese Dairy Imports

The May ’21 EU-27+UK Share of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Increased 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 Apr ’21 are shown below.

Whole Milk Powder has Accounted for Nearly Two Fifths of All Jan-Apr Chinese Dairy Imports

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

Prior Month Chinese WMP Import Volumes Down 18.5% MOM but up 2.6% YOY

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

Prior Month Chinese SMP Import Volumes up 16.9% MOM and 43.1% YOY

Prior Month Chinese SMP Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level