Exports on the uptick
Export volumes of dairy products from the UK have increased in the second quarter of 2023 year-on-year. Total export volume for Q2 2023 was 336,000 t, an increase of 22,300 t from Q2 2022. The level of EU exports increased by 10,900 t while that to non-EU destinations increased by 11,400 t.
Powdered and condensed milk products saw the largest year-on-year increase, up by 14,400 t (42.0%). This was driven by exports to both EU and non-EU nations. Exports of butter and other dairy fats increased by 27% to 16,400 t. Milk and cream and cheese and curd exports noticed a marginal increase of 2.6% and 0.2% respectively during the period. Whey and whey products and yoghurt bucked the trend recording lower exports of 11,700 t (-6.3%) and 11,400 t (-0.5%) respectively.
In the export basket, EU nations constitute nearly 90% of the total exports. Countries including Ireland, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Poland and Germany are the major recipients. In Q2 2023, exports to Belgium increased by 38% to 12,700 t on Q2 2022. Exports to France increased by 12% to 11,500 t and that to Ireland increased by a meagre 2% to 223,600 t compared to Q2 2022.
Imports on the decline
Total import volumes are down over 48,700 t (-14%) at 293,900 t in Q2 2023. Imports from EU nations declined by 47,100 t (-14%) on Q2 2022. Imports from non-EU nations declined by a meagre 1,600 t.
Imports of yogurt and buttermilk volumes declined by -36% to 56,500 t in Q2 2023 year-on-year. Imports of milk and cream, and butter and other dairy fats declined by -16.0% and -14.5% to 81,600 t and 11,900 t on Q2 2022. Whey and whey products noticed a marginal decline of 3.0% during the period. Powdered and condensed milk and cheese and curd were an exception to the basket, with imports increasing by 1,000 t (4.6%) and 700 t (0.7%).
Imports from EU nations declined by 13.9% to 293,100 t in Q2 2023. Belgium noticed the maximum decline of -56% to 16,700 t in Q2 2023 compared to the same period previous year. Imports from France and Ireland declined by -24% and -9% at 36,600 t and 117,200 t respectively. With comfortable supplies in the domestic market and weak consumer demand amid higher inflation, imports are expected to be lower in the near-term.
For more information please visit - Q2 dairy trade review: mixed bag for exports and imports | AHDB
