China’s dairy imports strengthened in April 2025, marking five consecutive months of year-on-year (y-o-y) growth from December 2024 to April 2025. All major product categories experienced an increase, except for UHT milk.
During the first four months of 2025, total dairy imports into China were up 12% y-o-y, driven by strong demand for sweet whey powder (SWP), whole milk powder (WMP), and butter. Liquid milk imports, however, declined, likely reflecting China’s continued search for self-sufficiency and robust demand for WMP and butter. New Zealand emerged as the primary beneficiary of China’s renewed import demand, maintaining its lead as the main supplier of WMP, skimmed milk powder (SMP), butter, and cheese.
SWP continues to be the leading growth driver by volume in 2025, with 237,000 tonnes imported year-to-date (YTD), up 30% y-o-y. The US remained the main supplier, accounting for 43% of total Chinese SWP imports, followed by the EU (30%) and Belarus (10%). The surge in SWP imports is likely due to Chinese buyers accelerating purchases ahead of the expected increase in import tariffs to avoid additional costs. Notably, Argentina doubled its SWP export sales, while Turkey’s SWP shipments to China surged from 600 tonnes in January–April 2024 to 12,700 tonnes for the same period of 2025.
For milk powder, WMP imports picked up in April, reaching a 3% increase YTD, with New Zealand consolidating its position as the leading supplier. New Zealand also dominated SMP exports to China, providing 80% of YTD imports—up 2% y-o-y.
After a strong performance in Q1 2025, whey protein concentrate (WPC) imports continued to rise in April, with the EU increasing its market share.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to monitor how trade flows evolve, as it appears Chinese buyers are actively working to reduce reliance on US WPC and diversify their sources.
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Written by Jose Saiz
