The USDA Dairy World Markets and Trade report projects a slight decrease in New Zealand's whole milk powder (WMP) production in 2024, from 1.385 million tons in 2023 to 1.375 million tons, due to dairy processors shifting their focus to the production of higher-margin dairy products like butter, cheese, and cream. Despite this, WMP exports are expected to rise to 1.45 million tons in 2024, fueled by strong global demand, especially from Southeast Asia and the UAE. The first quarter of 2024 saw a 32% increase in WMP exports compared to the same period in 2023, a trend supported by rebounding global dairy trade prices. The New Zealand dairy industry's investment in boosting processing capacity for high-value products indicates a potential cap on long-term growth in WMP production.