Exports show mixed results in Germany

The exports of dairy products from Germany have 2014 been a mixed experience. For the first time after many years of continuous growth of cheese exports has declined slightly. It fell in the first three quarters of the year by an average of 1.3%. Due to the weak Russian business exports the third countries export shrank on average by 12.5%, according to Zentrale Milchmarkt Berichterstattung (ZMB) in Berlin. Exports to Italy, the main buyer, decreased.

Packaged milk was also exported less. But here, third country exports increased significantly by 35.3%, while deliveries have subsided in other EU countries.

The exports of yogurt and other fresh dairy products declined. However, exports of skimmed milk powder and butter exports increased by 13.2%. Also large quantities of casein, whey powder and lactose are now exported.

Imports of dairy products have declined in Germany in most product categories in 2014. Germany imported 2% less cheese in the first three quarters than in the same period last year and 10.2% less butter.