China Alters Dairy Import Policy Amid Rising Consumer Demand

The Chinese dairy market is experiencing significant changes due to an increase in consumer purchasing power. In 2024, there was a notable rise in the import of certain dairy products like cream and butter, further driven by decreased average monthly prices of imported milk equivalents, falling from $59.78 per 100 kg in October to $48.48 in December.

However, throughout the year, China's overall dairy imports slowed by 10%. Despite this, specific segments such as Italian cheeses saw a positive trend. There was a 34% increase in imports of Italian cheeses, with fresh cheeses performing even better at a 43.2% increase, capturing 12% of the market volume. Grated or powdered Italian cheese imports also grew by 15.7%.

This shift reflects a broader appreciation among Asian consumers for European dairy products. As China's policy changes continue to guide the market, the imports of dairy-related goods are set to remain a key area of interest in the global dairy industry.