Milk powder was New Zealand’s largest single commodity exported in the year to the end of April, accounting for 14% of overseas receipts.
Data released by Stats NZ shows the country exported $9.7 billion of milk powder over that period.
Since April 2008, the annual value of milk powder exports has increased 109% and quantities have increased 112%.
China was the main destination for our milk powder exports for the year ended April 2024, at nearly $3bn or 30% of all milk powder exports, according to a Stats NZ press release.
“The signing of the free trade agreement with China in 2008 accelerated exports to China.
“Milk powder exports to China increased 987% in value, and 1004% in quantity in the year ended April 2024, compared with the year ended April 2008.”
The second largest destination by value was Algeria, which bought $975 million worth of milk powder followed by Indonesia at $654m.
United Arab Emirates, $539m, Malaysia $510m, and Thailand, $475m were next.
Stats NZ said milk powder was exported to more than 100 counties.
Data for the month of April show exports of all merchandised products fell in China by 11% and Australia by 2.4% but increased to the United States by 4.9%, European Union by 13%, and Japan by 26%.
