World trade in dairy products will decline for the first time in almost two decades

The reduction in imports is likely to be partially offset by possible increases in purchases from the Philippines, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, the European Union and Mexico. In China, reductions in catering services due to COVID-19 containment measures, rising domestic milk production and high inventories could lead to a 15% reduction in imports, or more than 3 million tonnes (in milk equivalent). This mainly applies to whey and milk powder. Due to reduced global demand, trade volumes are expected to decline for several leading exporters, including New Zealand, the European Union, Belarus and Turkey. However, some countries, including Mexico, India, Argentina, and the United States, may increase them due to the geographic availability of certain dairy products, especially butter and milk powder, and due to bilateral trade agreements. Despite the expected decline in exports, global butter trade is forecast to grow by ...