China Set to Boost Whole Milk Powder Imports
According to the USDA and industry projections, China is expected to significantly increase imports of whole milk powder (WMP) in 2025 as domestic consumption strengthens. Rising urban incomes, continued protein-focused dietary shifts, and the recovery of foodservice demand are driving renewed appetite for WMP despite China’s large domestic dairy base .
This demand uptick is occurring even as Chinese milk output continues to grow—reflecting a strategic pivot toward international sourcing of shelf-stable dairy inputs. The projected surge in WMP imports is anticipated to bolster export opportunities and exert upward pressure on global prices, particularly benefiting exporters in Latin America, Oceania, the EU, and the U.S. .
Globally, China remains the largest market for powdered milk imports, which positions suppliers with trade access—especially duty‑free access like New Zealand—with competitive edge amid tighter global WMP supplies. Increased Chinese WMP demand could tighten international inventories, raising commodity premiums and enhancing margins across export value chains .
Industry Insight:
China’s renewed WMP import demand is a pivotal signal for dairy exporters: those with favorable trade terms and product quality can seize a spike in pricing; for India, it reinforces the opportunity to explore high-value exports—especially of WMP or specialized dairy ingredients—into China and other Asian markets.
Source :Dairynews7x7 Aug !st 2025