The global rise in skim milk powder prices has stimulated demand for Ukrainian products and led to unusually strong dynamics in the domestic market, the industry analytical agency “Infagro” reported on Monday.
According to the agency, the export geography of skim milk powder (SMP) in February was unusual. Syria became the main buyer with a 30% share, followed by Malaysia (14%), Japan (13%), Georgia (7%), and Israel (6%). The remaining 29% of shipments went to other markets.
“This distribution seems unexpected, given that just six months ago, Syria was hardly considered by exporters. It is expected that in the near future, suppliers will begin to reorient themselves more actively toward the European market,” analysts noted.
Experts predict that, under favorable conditions, the EU quota of 7,500 tons could be utilized in the first half of the year. At the same time, traders are in no hurry to completely abandon alternative markets that have already proven their effectiveness.
In the whole milk powder (WMP) segment, export activity is currently limited, but the supply structure is clearly concentrated: Israel accounts for 57% of exports, and Poland for 43%, Infagro noted.
