Executive Summary Chinese dairy import figures provided by IHS Markit were recently updated with values spanning through Aug ‘19. Highlights from the updated report include:

• Aug ’19 Chinese dairy import volumes increased on a YOY basis for the tenth time in the past 11 months, finishing up 4.1% to a record high seasonal level for the month of August.
• Aug ’19 Chinese whole milk powder imports declined on a YOY basis for the first time in the past 11 months, finishing down 12.6% but remaining at the third highest seasonal level on record. Aug ’19 Chinese skim milk powder imports increased 38.4% YOY to a record high seasonal level, however, while Aug ’19 Chinese dairy imports excluding whole milk powder and skim milk powder increased 3.6% YOY, also reaching a record high seasonal level.
• Aug ’19 Chinese dairy imports originating from within the EU-28 continued to gain market share from the previous year, while the New Zealand and U.S. market shares finished below previous year levels.

Additional Report Details According to IHS Markit, Aug ‘19 total Chinese dairy import volumes declined slightly from the previous month but remained higher on a YOY basis for the tenth time in the past 11 months, finishing up 4.1% to a record high seasonal level for the month of August. 2019 YTD Chinese dairy import volumes have increased 11.7% on a YOY basis throughout the first two thirds of the calendar year and are on pace to reach a record high annual level. Chinese dairy import volumes originating from within the EU-28 continued to increase significantly on a YOY basis throughout the month, while imports originating from within New Zealand and the United States finished lower YOY. Chinese dairy import volumes originating from New Zealand and the EU-28 each accounted for over a third of all Chinese import volumes experienced throughout Aug ’18, despite the New Zealand market share being reduced from the previous year, while the U.S. market share was reduced to 8.1%, down from the 10.3% market share experienced during August of 2018. Aug ’19 Chinese whole milk powder (WMP) import volumes declined 12.6% from the previous year but remained at the third highest seasonal figure on record for the month of August. The YOY decline in Chinese WMP import volumes was the first experienced throughout the past 11 months. Aug ’19 Chinese skim milk powder (SMP) import volumes remained higher on a YOY basis for the 12^th consecutive month, however, finishing up 38.4% and reaching a record high seasonal level. Aug ’19 Chinese dairy imports excluding WMP and SMP increased 3.6% YOY throughout the month, also reaching a record high seasonal level. The YOY increase in Chinese dairy imports excluding WMP and SMP was the second experienced in a row. Aug ’19 Total Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Declined Slightly From the Previous Month Aug ’19 Chinese Dairy Import Volumes Declined 2.1% MOM but Remained up 4.1% YOY Aug ’19 Total Chinese Dairy Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level Aug ’19 Chinese WMP Import Volumes Declined 12.0% MOM and 12.6% YOY Aug ’19 Chinese WMP Imports Remained at the Third Highest Seasonal Level on Record Aug ’19 Chinese SMP Import Volumes Declined 8.2% MOM but Remained up 38.4% YOY Aug ’19 Chinese SMP Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level Aug ’19 Chinese Dairy Imports Excluding WMP & SMP Increased 2.2% MOM and 3.6% YOY Aug ’19 Chinese Dairy ‘Other’ Imports Reached a Record High Seasonal Level New Zealand and the EU-28 Each Accounted for Over a Third of all Aug ’19 Chinese Imports Aug ’19 New Zealand & U.S. Shares of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Declined YOY Aug ’19 EU-28 Share of Total Chinese Dairy Imports Increased Most Significantly YOY