Chinese Dairy Imports Surge by 6% This Year

China's demand for dairy products remains robust, driving global dairy trade forward. Between January and July 2025, Chinese imports of dairy products increased both in volume and value. The import volume reached 1,772 tons, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 6%. In July alone, imports rose to 265,144 tons, showcasing a growth of nearly 7% compared to July 2024. Monetarily, the rise is even more pronounced; the dollar value of imports grew by 16% year-to-date. The surge is especially notable in the importation of whey, which increased by 16% to 410,804 tons until July. Conversely, imports of whole milk powder (WMP), a major export from Uruguay, fell by 13%, decreasing from 43,116 to 37,584 tons. Throughout the year, China imported 291,575 tons of WMP, only 1% less than in 2024, although the monetary expenditure for these imports rose by 17%. In July, the dollar increase for WMP imports was 8%. Source: Blasina y Asociados — "Importaciones chinas de lácteos acumulan una suba de 6 % en lo que va del año".