China Expands Dairy Imports Amid Domestic Supply Woes
Source: DairyNews.today
China is increasingly turning to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia to meet growing dairy demand, as domestic production struggles and trade tensions persist with North America.
The Australian dairy sector is benefiting from this shift, with rising exports of cream, cheese, yogurt, and milk to China. The Chronicle newspaper recently highlighted the strong export potential, as Australian dairy products gain traction among Chinese consumers.
Supply Constraints Drive Import Surge
China’s dairy imports are not only influenced by trade frictions with the U.S. and Canada but also by production challenges. A recent Rabobank report projects further declines in China’s milk supply in 2025, following a slowdown in 2024 after years of expansion.
“Australian dairy exports performed strongly in 2024, and with slightly increased farmgate milk supply, exports are expected to rise further this year,” said Michael Harvey, RaboResearch senior dairy analyst. He noted that Australian cheese exports surged 30%, while skim milk powder shipments rose 27% in 2024.
China Seeks Stronger Trade Partnerships
As part of efforts to secure supply, China International Import Expo (CIIE) officials recently toured Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia to recruit exhibitors for the 8th CIIE, set for November 2025 in Shanghai. The CIIE team underscored Australia and New Zealand’s longstanding roles as key agricultural partners, emphasizing their “strong economic complementarity” and potential for deeper cooperation.
At the 7th CIIE in 2024, dairy products from Australia and New Zealand were well received, with New Zealand-based Theland seeing growing demand among Chinese consumers.
A seminar in Melbourne on February 19, attended by 13 industry groups, including the Australia China Agribusiness Association and the Dairy Industry Association of Australia, reinforced China’s push to attract more international dairy suppliers to its market.
Supply Constraints Drive Import Surge
China’s dairy imports are not only influenced by trade frictions with the U.S. and Canada but also by production challenges. A recent Rabobank report projects further declines in China’s milk supply in 2025, following a slowdown in 2024 after years of expansion.
“Australian dairy exports performed strongly in 2024, and with slightly increased farmgate milk supply, exports are expected to rise further this year,” said Michael Harvey, RaboResearch senior dairy analyst. He noted that Australian cheese exports surged 30%, while skim milk powder shipments rose 27% in 2024.
China Seeks Stronger Trade Partnerships
As part of efforts to secure supply, China International Import Expo (CIIE) officials recently toured Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia to recruit exhibitors for the 8th CIIE, set for November 2025 in Shanghai. The CIIE team underscored Australia and New Zealand’s longstanding roles as key agricultural partners, emphasizing their “strong economic complementarity” and potential for deeper cooperation.
At the 7th CIIE in 2024, dairy products from Australia and New Zealand were well received, with New Zealand-based Theland seeing growing demand among Chinese consumers.
A seminar in Melbourne on February 19, attended by 13 industry groups, including the Australia China Agribusiness Association and the Dairy Industry Association of Australia, reinforced China’s push to attract more international dairy suppliers to its market.
