China’s whole milk powder (WMP) imports have fallen below year earlier levels for the first time since August 2013 according to DairyCo.

It says in September, the country imported 9,400 tonnes of WMP, compared to 25,600 tonnes in September 2013.

DairyCo says imports this year have been on a declining trend following a surge of buying at the turn of the year, which eventually reached record levels in January 2014.

On a cumulative basis (Jan-Sept), WMP and SMP imports are 56% and 35% higher respectively, when compared with the same period in 2013.

China’s milk powder imports have displayed a degree of seasonality in previous years and tend to increase in the final quarter of the year, but potential stockpiling could impact on the trend this year.

DairyCo