September 16, 2011

China's demand for foreign milk powder is soaring, with import volume in the first half of this year exceeding that in the whole year of 2009, according to the China Chamber of Commerce of Foodstuffs and Native Produce.

China has imported larger quantities of milk powder since 2008, when hundreds of children were sickened after drinking tainted milk produced the Sanlu Group, a domestic dairy company.

Imports of milk powder more than doubled to reach 310,000 tonnes in 2009, while imports in 2010 rose 55% on-year to hit 480,000 tonnes, the official said.

As the world's most populous nation, China has great demand for dairy products and has become the world's largest market for milk powder.

The country will consume 1.5 million tonnes of milk powder this year, accounting for half of the world's total milk powder consumption, according to data from the USDA.

It will take time for domestic dairy companies to regain the trust of consumers, who largely prefer "safe" imported milk powder, the chamber said.