According to VMB, European exports of whole milk powder amounted to approximately 263,000 tons, more than 12 percent above last year's level. Despite declining demand from China and Oman, sales volumes increased to the United Kingdom, Algeria, and Nigeria. The sale of skimmed milk powder reached a trade volume of 780,000 tons, corresponding to a 10 percent increase and also higher than the sales volume of 2021.
In the whey powder sector, exports to China and Indonesia declined, while improved demand from Thailand and Malaysia boosted sales figures. In total, around 689,000 tons of whey powder were exported, 3.5 percent more compared to the previous year.
The main dairy product exported for European trade to third countries remains cheese. With a trade volume of 1.38 million tons, this represents the largest segment by volume. Compared to 2022, 4 percent or 48,700 tons more cheese was exported. The main buyer was the United Kingdom. There is less purchasing interest from Japan—as the second largest buyer of European cheese—and the US.