Combined exports of whole milk powder (WMP) and skimmed milk powder (SMP) from New Zealand fell to 134,400t in February, representing a 16% decrease compared with the same period last year.

Figures from financial services firm FC Stone show that New Zealand’s WMP exports were down 7% year-on-year to 105,100t in February 2017. Overall, WMP exports for the first two months of the year are down 9.2% to 235,600t.

Exports of SMP also fell significantly in February, down 38% on the 47,500t exported in February 2016. Combined fat exports fell less sharply in February to 20,100t, representing a 6.9% drop compared with last year.

However, dairy exports have increased in value terms year-on-year due to the uplift prices for milk fats and powders. Figures show that dairy exports in February are up by 5.6% or $55m.

Destinations

Exports of WMP to China were down from 33,900t in February 2016 to 23,000t last month. However, this was more than offset by a 7,700t increase in exports to the United Arab Emirates, and with an additional 6,000t of WMP going to Algeria.

Chinese imports of New Zealand milk fats increased slightly last month to 3,300t, meaning China remained the leading importer of fats from New Zealand.

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NZ milk powder exports drop by 16% in February

Although falling in volume terms when compared with 2016, dairy exports from New Zealand in February increased by 5.6% in terms of value.