UK dairy trade

Updated 20 May 2022

This page gives quarterly overview of UK dairy trade. For a detailed look at the latest monthly data please visit our dairy trade dashboard. 

Please note: as of January 2021 data, HMRC trade data collection and processing has changed, which has impacted trade statistics. Comparisons between this and historic data should be treated with caution, as the data is likely to be subject to future revisions.

Please note: as of January 2021 data, HMRC trade data collection and processing has changed, which has impacted trade statistics. Comparisons between this and historic data should be treated with caution, as the data is likely to be subject to future revisions.

• Total dairy exports were up 12% in Q1 2022 compared to the previous year, at 346,094 tonnes.
• Total dairy export value was £370million in Q1 2022, up 33% on 2021 with average price £/t up 20% on the year.
• Most of the key product categories exported more in Q1 2022 compared to Q1 2021, with the exceptions of fermented products (-22% volume), cream (-10% volume) and SMP (-2% volume). Total cheese exports were up 30%, the biggest gain, closely followed by butter, which increased by 25%.
• In Q1 2021, new regulations following leaving the EU disrupted dairy exports. Although volumes have recovered since, continued low milk production may limit the amount of product available for export going forwards.
• Dairy wholesale prices, both domestic and global, have been rising since mid-2021. This will have supported the increase in export values.

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