China will reduce the import of liquid and dry milk

In 2023, the 40 largest dairy farms housed 3 million more dairy cows, a 35% increase from 2021, leading to higher domestic production of milk and dairy products. This surge is anticipated to lower the imports of liquid milk, whole milk powder, and skimmed milk powder in 2024. The USDA forecasts a decrease in fluid milk imports due to increased ultra-pasteurized milk production and stable domestic demand. The production of Chinese whole milk powder and skimmed milk powder is also expected to rise. Additionally, there is an expectation for a modest decline in China's imports of cheese and butter due to economic challenges, with cheese imports remaining steady and butter import estimates being reduced due to anticipated consumption decrease. The import of whey and related products is also predicted to drop due to a decrease in the birth rate and fewer piglets, indicating a slowdown in the dairy industry.