infant formula Prices & Trade in Australia — Market Overview 2026
Parent Product
Milk Powder
HS Code
190110
Last Updated
2026-10-02
Key takeaways for search and sourcing teams
- 5 export partner countries and 5 import partner countries are ranked.
- Latest reference year in this page dataset is 2024.
- Page data last updated on 2026-10-02.
infant formula Export Supplier & Manufacturer Intelligence, Price Trends, and Trade Flows in Australia
Use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to validate infant formula exporter coverage, partner quality, and route priorities in Australia.
Annual Export Value, Volume, and Supplier Market Size for infant formula in Australia (HS Code 190110)
Analyze 1 years of infant formula export volume and value in Australia to evaluate supplier market growth, seasonality, and trade volatility.
| Year | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 14,989,764 | 205,794,742 USD |
Top Destination Markets for infant formula Exports from Australia (HS Code 190110) in 2024
For 2024, compare export volume and value across the top 5 destination countries for infant formula exports from Australia.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | China | 4,808,248.8 | 88,766,337.355 USD |
| 2 | Vietnam | 3,184,609 | 50,106,430.95 USD |
| 3 | Thailand | 1,131,891 | 26,732,937.648 USD |
| 4 | United States | 1,504,680 | 17,695,142.198 USD |
| 5 | Hong Kong | 555,859.2 | 9,410,190.61 USD |
Sourcing diagnosis
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infant formula Import Buyer Intelligence and Price Signals in Australia: Buyers, Demand, and Trade Partners
Exporters and importers can use Supply Chain Intelligence company profiles and analytics to analyze infant formula buyer demand, partner density, and downstream channels in Australia.
Annual Import Value, Volume, and Demand Size for infant formula in Australia (HS Code 190110)
Track 3 years of infant formula import volume and value in Australia to assess demand growth and market momentum.
| Year | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 14,647,748 | 133,519,622 USD |
| 2023 | 15,154,162 | 129,891,693 USD |
| 2022 | 20,593,945 | 154,500,617 USD |
Top Origin Supplier Countries Supplying infant formula to Australia (HS Code 190110) in 2024
For 2024, compare import volume and value across the top 5 origin supplier countries supplying infant formula to Australia.
| Rank | Country | Volume | Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 9,480,023.7 | 79,030,853.714 USD |
| 2 | Netherlands | 1,751,614 | 23,370,546.54 USD |
| 3 | Switzerland | 1,535,003.8 | 10,300,908.067 USD |
| 4 | Mexico | 778,979.7 | 8,719,862.983 USD |
| 5 | Spain | 338,225.4 | 3,774,340.993 USD |
Export diagnosis
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Price data
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Classification
Product TypeProcessed Food
Product FormPowder
Industry PositionValue-Added Dairy Nutrition Product
Market
Infant formula (powder) in Australia is a tightly regulated dairy-based nutrition product governed by the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (Standard 2.9.1), with the most recent reform package implemented on 13 September 2024 and applying in Australia only. Australia is an export-oriented producer market with multiple domestic manufacturers/packers and brand owners supplying both domestic retail and overseas markets. Export of dairy products including infant formula is regulated under Australia’s Export Control Act 2020 and the Export Control (Milk and Milk Products) Rules 2021, requiring export-registered establishments, approved arrangements, and export permits (and health certificates where required) via government systems. The market has also been shaped by prior periods of retail supply pressure linked to bulk purchasing for cross-border resale ("daigou"), prompting retailer controls and public scrutiny.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter
Domestic RoleRegulated domestic consumer market for infant feeding, supplied by both locally produced and imported brands
Market GrowthNot Mentioned
SeasonalityManufacturing and packing are typically year-round; input milk supply seasonality is managed through dairy processing and powder/base stock planning.
Specification
Physical Attributes
- Free-flowing powdered product with controlled particle size/agglomeration to support reconstitution performance
- Moisture control and packaging integrity to prevent caking and oxidation during storage and shipment
Compositional Metrics
- Nutrient composition and permitted ingredient/additive framework must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (including Standard 2.9.1 and relevant cross-referenced standards/schedules such as food additives provisions).
Packaging
- Retail tins/cans with lot coding for traceability
- Single-serve sachets/stick packs for portion control and travel use
- Bulk food-grade bags/cartons for contract packing or further packing (export programs)
Supply Chain
Value Chain
- Milk sourcing (farms) → dairy processing into base powders/ingredients → wet-mix and spray drying and/or dry blending → packing (tins/sachets/bulk) → batch release testing → domestic distribution and/or export documentation → export dispatch via containerized freight
Temperature
- Powdered infant formula is generally shelf-stable but requires protection from heat spikes to reduce quality degradation (e.g., fat oxidation) and from condensation that can drive caking.
Atmosphere Control
- Oxygen and moisture exposure control (e.g., sealed packaging; dry containers; humidity control) is important for long-haul exports.
Shelf Life
- Shelf life is primarily limited by moisture ingress and lipid oxidation; strict lot traceability supports recalls if quality or safety issues emerge.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeSea
Risks
Food Safety HighPowdered infant formula is a non-sterile product category and has a well-documented hazard profile for microbiological contamination (notably Cronobacter spp.), which can trigger recalls, import holds, and severe brand damage given the vulnerable infant population.Implement validated pathogen control programs (environmental monitoring, hygienic zoning for dry areas, supplier qualification, and finished-product release controls) and maintain recall-ready traceability and retention samples.
Regulatory Compliance HighNon-compliance with Australia’s infant formula composition/labelling/representation rules (Standard 2.9.1) or dairy export regulatory requirements (export registration, approved arrangements, export permits/health certification where required) can block export approvals or lead to shipment delays/rejections.Run pre-shipment compliance checks against Standard 2.9.1 labelling/representation rules and destination requirements; ensure export documentation is accurate and generated through DAFF processes for the registered establishment.
Market Conduct MediumCross-border consumer resale demand ("daigou") has previously contributed to domestic retail shortages and retailer rationing, creating reputational and political sensitivity for infant formula brands operating in Australia.Use demand sensing and channel controls (allocation, purchase limits where appropriate, verified online sales) and maintain transparent domestic supply commitments to reduce consumer backlash.
Logistics MediumExport programs rely on dependable containerized sea freight; port disruption, container shortages, or humidity/temperature excursions can lead to delays, increased cost, and quality degradation (caking/oxidation) on arrival.Use moisture-protected packaging, container desiccants and dry-loading SOPs; build buffer lead times and multi-port routing options for critical markets.
Sustainability
- Animal care and welfare expectations in dairy supply chains are a stated industry sustainability commitment area in Australia.
- Greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency in dairy farming and manufacturing are monitored and addressed through the Australian dairy industry’s sustainability framework initiatives.
- Water stewardship and environmental management in dairy regions are ongoing operational and reputational considerations.
Labor & Social
- Infant formula marketing restrictions and compliance scrutiny (MAIF framework history; policy move toward mandated controls) can affect branding, communications, and in-store promotion practices.
- Retail access and consumer trust risks linked to bulk purchasing for cross-border resale ("daigou") have historically created supply pressure and public controversy in Australia.
Standards
- HACCP-based food safety management systems
- ISO 22000 / FSSC 22000 aligned food safety certification (often requested by international buyers)
- GMP-aligned manufacturing controls for infant nutrition products (buyer expectation in premium segments)
FAQ
What are the core Australian rules that infant formula products must meet?Infant formula products sold in Australia must comply with the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, including Standard 2.9.1 for infant formula products. The most recent reform package for infant formula products took effect on 13 September 2024 and applies in Australia only.
What does an Australian company typically need to export infant formula powder?Infant formula powder is treated as a prescribed dairy good for export control purposes. Exporters generally need to operate through an export-registered dairy establishment with an approved arrangement (a documented food safety and traceability system) and obtain an export permit; some destinations also require an Australian government health certificate.
Why has infant formula marketing compliance been a sensitive issue in Australia?Australia has long used the MAIF framework to restrict promotion of infant formula, aligned with public health objectives around breastfeeding. In February 2025, the ACCC announced it would not reauthorise the voluntary MAIF Agreement, and the Australian Government has been developing options to mandate marketing restrictions—so marketing and in-store promotion practices remain under heightened scrutiny.
Sources
Other infant formula Country Markets for Supplier, Manufacturer, Export, and Price Comparison from Australia
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Parent product: Milk Powder
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