Milk production volume in China 2012-2022

In 2022, China had an output of around 39.3 million metric tons of cow's milk, the highest volume in recent years. The national milk production volume ranged between 30 and 32 million tons annually between 2008 and 2018, but has increased in recent years.

Dairy sector in China

China is the fourth largest dairy producer in the world and the second largest in Asia. Although the estimated number of dairy cows has been stable in the country, the production volume per cow is expected to grow from approximately 5,600 kilograms in 2021 to over 5,900 kilograms in 2025. Regardless of improving productivity, China still relies heavily on dairy imports. In 2020, China imported liquid milk and milk powder in large packets in volumes of around one million metric tons each. New Zealand, Australia, United States, Germany, and France are among the major suppliers of dairy products for the Chinese market.

Major Chinese dairy producers

Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group is the largest dairy processor in China. It is the number one Chinese company for UHT milk and milk powder, as well as being the most valuable Chinese food and dairy brand according to a Milward Brown's BrandZ ranking. Mengniu Dairy is Yili Group’s major competitor and is based in the same region of Inner Mongolia. Bright Dairy and some newer companies such as Shengmu are other well capitalized and well known market leaders.