Decline in Dairy Imports in Chile

Chile's dairy market is experiencing a notable shift as the country reduces its reliance on foreign dairy imports. From January to July 2025, Chile imported 443.6 million liters of milk equivalent, a reduction of 9.9% compared to the same period in 2024. This marks the lowest import level in five years, as reported by Fedeleche.

The import of whole milk powder saw a drastic decline of 52.2%, bringing in about 1,516.7 tons, primarily from Uruguay, Argentina, and New Zealand. Gouda cheese imports also decreased by 20.9%, totaling 12,408 tons, with major supplies from Argentina, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the USA.

Skim milk powder imports dropped by 14.5%, amounting to 4,217.8 tons, with the USA accounting for approximately 79.2% of these imports.

Fedeleche notes that these figures indicate an increasing trend towards domestic production gaining ground, potentially impacting pricing, self-sufficiency, and adjustments in external trade dynamics.