China’s Dairy Market Turns Outward: From Global Importer to Emerging Export Power
Zhao Tianqi, Guangzhou derrigold import and export trade co. Ltd.
China’s milk market has suddenly turned surplus. And Chinese companies have started exporting milk powder to other countries. Just a few years ago, this would have sounded impossible.
China’s milk market has suddenly turned surplus. And Chinese companies have started exporting milk powder to other countries. Just a few years ago, this would have sounded impossible.
Mikhail Mishchenko
Director of the Dairy Market Research Center
Director of the Dairy Market Research Center
What happened
For decades, China was seen as one of the world’s largest importers of dairy products. Any change in Chinese demand immediately affected prices in New Zealand, the EU, and the US.
But today, the picture is shifting:
▪️ rapid growth in domestic milk production
▪️ large-scale industrialization of farms
▪️ slowing domestic consumption
▪️ increasing pressure on margins within the country
The result is excess supply and a push to find export markets.
Why this matters globally
Chinese exports of milk powder are not just another headline. They signal a structural shift in the global dairy balance:
▪️ stronger competition in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
▪️ additional pressure on global prices
▪️ a new risk — and opportunity — factor for exporters fr om the EU, Oceania, and Central Asia
We are entering a phase wh ere China increasingly influences the dairy market not only as a buyer, but also as a seller.
The dairy market is becoming even more global, volatile, and strategic.
And China is now a market everyone needs to watch very closely.
You can also watch the full video interview via the link.
For decades, China was seen as one of the world’s largest importers of dairy products. Any change in Chinese demand immediately affected prices in New Zealand, the EU, and the US.
But today, the picture is shifting:
▪️ rapid growth in domestic milk production
▪️ large-scale industrialization of farms
▪️ slowing domestic consumption
▪️ increasing pressure on margins within the country
The result is excess supply and a push to find export markets.
Why this matters globally
Chinese exports of milk powder are not just another headline. They signal a structural shift in the global dairy balance:
▪️ stronger competition in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East
▪️ additional pressure on global prices
▪️ a new risk — and opportunity — factor for exporters fr om the EU, Oceania, and Central Asia
The dairy market is becoming even more global, volatile, and strategic.
And China is now a market everyone needs to watch very closely.
You can also watch the full video interview via the link.
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