November 4, 2014
Japan to import more milk and butter
Japan is set to import more milk powders and butter over the coming months as the country deals with a shortfall in domestic supply, according to reports.
Recent hot weather has brought about outbreaks of mastitis, resulting in a 2% drop year-on-year (January-August) in local milk production.
Over the same period, the country's imports of skim milk powder (SMP) rose by 17%. The Japanese ministry of agriculture is reported to be planning to import a further 10,000 tonnes of milk powder over the next two months.
The only way for any country to export butter or SMP to Japanis through a Japanese government-run tender.
Globally, Japan is the second largest importer of cheese after Russia and the country is also a steady importer of SMP, most of which come from Australia, the United States and New Zealand.
Tariffs are high, but with wholesale prices in the country rising while those in the US, Oceania and EU falling, exporters see Japan as a very promising market for dairy products.