# Infant formula import volumes fall while whey powder and protein prices surge: industry shifts behind first-three-quarter dairy imports

> China's dairy imports in the first three quarters of 2026 fell 2.1% year on year to 1.957 million tonnes, while import value rose 1.5%. Import volumes of whey, infant formula and bulk milk powder declined, but average import prices for whey rose 19.2% and for protein products 21.7%.

- Date: 2026-11-14 · published 2026-11-14T21:10:06.842Z
- Category: trade · region China · magnitude low
- Page: https://feedsoft.ai/events/99949-infant-formula-import-volumes-fall-while-whey-powder-and-protein-prices-surge
- Commodities: [Dry Whey](https://feedsoft.ai/c/WHEY.md)

## Why it matters

Lower Chinese import volumes of whey and formula ingredients, combined with rising import prices, point to tighter global whey supply and firmer prices for dry whey used in feed and food ingredients.

## Read by commodity

- WHEY: bullish ▲

## Sources

- 51nz.com.cn: http://www.51nz.com.cn/data/2026-11-14/134618.html

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Data from Feedsoft AI (https://feedsoft.ai/). For information only; not investment advice.