October imports higher than in 2015

During October 2016, 8 652 tonnes of dairy products were imported, 133% more than in October 2015. Total imports for the first ten months of 2016 stood at 53 313 tonnes, still 23% less than during the first ten months of 2015. On a mass basis, total imports this year consisted of 25% liquid milk, 25% milk powders, 23% cheese, 13% whey powder, 8% butter and 6% buttermilk and yoghurt. UHT milk imports up to the end of October stood at 13 500 tonnes, which is still 52% less than during the same period in 2015.

Dairy exports have been slightly lower than in 2015. In October 2016, 14 699 tonnes of dairy products were exported, 19% less than during October 2015 and year-to-date exports of 144 293 tonnes amount to 11 919 tonnes less than during the same period last year. On a milk equivalent basis, exports exceeded imports by 42,4 million litres, slightly down on the figures for 2015.