Exporting Dairy Products From Australia 2026 Market Overview & Trends

Australia's dairy exports showed resilience in 2024, with value rising to $2.34 billion, a recovery from the 2023 dip. While current volumes of 645 million units remain below the 2021 peak, the value per unit has trended higher compared to 2020 levels, indicating a shift toward higher-value products or improved global pricing dynamics.

China remains the primary destination for Australian dairy, importing $605.1 million in 2024. Japan follows as the second-largest market at $341.7 million. Together, Asian markets like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand represent significant trade corridors, highlighting Australia's strategic focus on the Asia-Pacific region for dairy distribution.

Vietnam leads emerging market growth with a staggering 75.3% increase, reaching $107.6 million. Indonesia also shows strong momentum with 43.7% growth. These figures indicate a rapid diversification of demand across Southeast Asia, with significant gains also noted in Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore during 2024.

Concentrated milk and powder (HS 040210) is the leading product category, valued at $555.1 million. Fresh cheese and curd follow closely at $431.1 million. The data highlights a diverse portfolio, with significant contributions from cheddar cheese and full cream milk powder, reflecting a balanced export mix of commodities and processed dairy.