GACC recently announced the consumption data of infant formula milk powder imports in the first quarter, which shows that from January to March 2021, the domestic import of 61,000 tons of infant formula milk powder, down 17.6% compared to the same period last year. It is reported that this drop was the largest in the past decade.

In the first quarter, China imported a total of 61,000 tons of infant formula milk powder, a year-on-year decrease of 17.6%, the import volume was $1.006 billion, a year-on-year decrease of 8%. The average price was $16505/ton, a year-on-year increase of 11.6%, which mainly from: EU accounted for 66.7%, New Zealand accounted for 25.5%, and Australia accounted for 2.6%.

From the perspective of the main categories of imports, large packets of milk powder, whey, cheese, protein products, as well as packaged milk, cream imports have increased significantly, only infant formula, cream and yoghurt have declined to varying degrees.

The data shows that China imported a total of 23,000 tons of infant formula milk powder in March, a year-on-year decrease of 18.8%, with imports of $376 million, a year-on-year decrease of 8.7%, at an average price of $16,360/ton, a year-on-year increase of 12.4%.

Some industry observers analyze that in recent years, the safety of domestic milk powder, formulas and process levels have improved significantly, coupled with the brand to give great support to the terminal, promoting shops are also more willing to promote domestic milk powder.