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Milk, whey and cheese exports all slow in April
Wednesday, 16 June 2021
By Kat Jack
UK exports of dairy products* had been increasing month-on-month through 2021 after a slow start post EU exit. However, some product groupings bucked that trend in April.
UK export volumes for the milk powder, yoghurt and butter categories continued to grow month on month in April (up 87%, 5% and 22% on March respectively). Meanwhile, the milk and cream, cheese, and whey product categories all fell on the month (down 27%, 29% and 35% respectively). However, exports were below year-ago levels across all groups.
Dairy imports also showed mixed month-on-month movements in April. The milk and cream imports were up 37%, and powdered and condensed milk import volumes were up 8%. The rest of the main dairy categories were down month on month, and all categories, except milk and cream, were also down year on year for April.
From April onwards, year-on-year comparisons should be made with the coronavirus pandemic kept in mind, particularly for exports. In Q1, increasing exports were the main driver closing the gap between 2020 and 2021 figures each month. However, once the coronavirus was widespread in Europe, this had a knock-on effect on export demand, bringing down 2020 figures. Going forwards, lower 2020 figures should make 2021 look improved by comparison. However, on a more positive note, the improving pandemic situation will hopefully mean that dairy export demand returns as the year progresses.
*HS codes 0401-0406. Includes milk crossing the Irish border for processing.
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