UK dairy exports mostly flat in Q1 - AHDB
Strong growth for cheese and curd, whey and yogurt
29 May 2024
2 minute read
By: Total export volumes of dairy products from the UK have declined marginally in Q1 2024, according to a recent market report from AHDB.
Total export volume for Q1 2024 was 327,000 t, a decline of 2,300 t year-on-year.
The level of EU exports remained almost at par, while exports to non-EU destinations declined by 2,300 t. However, cheese, whey and yogurt saw significant year-on-year growth. This was driven by exports to both EU and non-EU nations. Cheese exports are the highest recorded in a quarter since 2020.
Exports of cheese products saw the largest increase of 9,800 t followed by whey and whey products at 2,900 t respectively.
Exports of yogurt registered an increase of 1,700 t while exports declined across other products in the basket. Cheese prices have been softening since the beginning of this year, making it attractive for buyers.
EU nations contribute more than 90% of total exports. Ireland (+3,600 t), Netherlands (+1,300 t), Spain (+600 t) were the major contributors to growth. However, exports to Belgium, France and Poland saw significant declines thereby levelling off exports to EU.
Exports during the quarter picked up in emerging markets in MENA (Lebanon, Bahrain) and Asia (Singapore, Philippines), though the overall exports to non-EU nations remain in negative territory, following significant declines in Bangladesh (-1,500 t), Algeria (-800 t), Egypt (-600 t), Morocco (-500 t) and China (-500 t).
