CHINA’S EVOLVING DAIRY MARKET

China’s dairy market is facing both challenges and opportunities. Demand for imported milk powders has dropped, which impacts key suppliers like New Zealand and the EU. How will the surplus of milk production, which is expected to continue into 2025, impact dairy importers? How will the rising demand for organic dairy products affect importers and perhaps represent an opportunity? Meanwhile, cheese and butter consumption is increasing as urban consumers embrace Western dietary habits, how are importers benefiting? Trade dynamics are shifting due to recent tariff policies, with Australian dairy exporters benefiting from improved access to China amid tensions with the U.S. In line with these market shifts, China has recently updated and strengthened its GB Standards, regulating dairy product quality, safety, labeling, and production methods – thereby  requiring compliance with updated GB standards for safety and quality from dairy importers. The updated regulations will affect fermented milk, cream, raw milk, and sterilized milk. These updates reflect China’s ongoing commitment to improving dairy industry standards, providing opportunities for both local and international producers to align with these stricter guidelines. We’d give details on the lastest GB Standards and speak to local, regional and global experts on the state of the dairy market, highlighting the new safety regulations, consumer trends and opportunities for foriegn importers as well as challenges for dairy companies looking to increase trade with China. How might higher quality dairy in the domestic market affect imports? How might the threat of additional US tariffs impact the dairy market?