China: Dairy and Products Annual

In 2022, China’s raw milk production is forecast to reach 36.7 million metric tons, a 3 percent increase, as producers make operational investments that should return more milk, per cow milk production improves, and additional facilities come online. Whole milk powder beginning stocks and domestic production in 2022 will weigh on imports, which are forecast to decline 6 percent to 850 thousand metric tons. Imports of skim milk powder, cheese and butter are projected to grow to meet rising demand from the bakery sector, use in processed products, and retail consumers. In 2022, whey and whey related imports are forecast lower as infant birth rates decline and animal feed sector demand weakens on lower livestock/meat prices. FAS China proposed revisions to Post’s cheese data series are included in this report.