During March 2015 China imported just over 36,000 tonnes of whole milk powder (WMP), just a third of the volume imported during March last year.
Imports of WMP during the first quarter of 2015 halved from the same time a year ago. Once again NZ was the main supplier accounting for 99% of WMP imports leaving only tiny volumes to be supplied by Australia and Europe.
In 2014 China accounted for 53% of global WMP imports.
Skim milk powder (SMP) import volumes have also fallen but not by the same degree as WMP. During March China imported 15,493 tonnes of SMP with 66% supplied by NZ. United States, Germany, Australia and France were the other major suppliers.
During Q1 SMP imports dropped 38% compared with a year ago. Compared with a year ago NZ has managed to regain market share and now provides 78% of China's import needs. This compares with a 54% share in Q1 2014 and a 87% share in Q1 2013.
