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Milk powder export EU takes a hit, cheese export a little
The export of milk powders from the EU to countries outside the EU fell sharply in the first three months of 2022 compared to the same period last year. Cheese exports also fell, but relatively limited. The export of butter also fell.
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This is shown by data from the European Commission. The export of skimmed milk powder in particular took a hit. Less product was sold to almost all major export destinations. The largest decline was in exports to China (which bought less overall) and Algeria (which partly bought a different product). In total, more than a fifth less was exported.
The export of whole milk powder also took a noticeable hit, but at minus 15% it was slightly smaller than that of skimmed milk powder. Moreover, the volume was also more limited. Here it was mainly Nigeria and the 'other destinations' group that purchased less.
European cheese exports held up well with a decline in exports of only 2%. Not more than 234.000 tons were sold to destinations outside the EU as in the first quarter of 2021, but 'only' 228.900 tons. The fact that cheese exports held up so well was mainly due to the strong growth in exports to the United States. That is the export destination par excellence for Dutch cheeses. Exports there increased by 13% to more than 29.000 tons.
Butter exports fell by an average of 5% to more than 44.000 tons. The decline occurred at almost all destinations. Exceptions included South Korea, Indonesia and Malaysia.