Casein market in Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The Asian casein market expanded from 45 363 tons in 2018 to 82 668 tons in 2023, driven initially by rising consumer demand for healthy dairy products and the growing importance of the Asia-Pacific region, particularly China. Product diversification, such as the increased application of casein hydrolysates in nutritional supplements, stimulated market volume growth during this early phase.

Growth accelerated significantly from 2021, supported by industrial policy and technological innovation within China's dairy sector, which fostered domestic production development. Intensified competition among major global and regional players, alongside continued consumer preference for high-quality casein products, contributed to the market volume reaching 75 381 tons in 2022.

Despite a contraction in domestic raw milk production and economic pressures on dairy farms in China from 2023, the casein market continued its upward trajectory. The presence of established international manufacturers, the expansion of online sales channels, and sustained demand for specialized derivatives helped maintain growth, with the market volume rising to 82 668 tons in 2023.

Production casein in Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of casein, 2017-2020

World map of production of casein, 2017-2020

Casein production in Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Asia produced 24 937 tonnes of casein, marking a robust 16.4% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 36.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Asia's casein production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 145.2 million US dollars, representing a 20.0% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 40%, equating to an annualized rate of 11.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 93.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.5%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 28.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports casein from Asia

Exports in kind, t

Asia's casein export volume has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 1 016 tonnes, up by 16.2% compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 18.9%, with an annualized rate of 5.9%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 787 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 7.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

The country composition of exports in kind from 2017 to 2020 was dispersed. France accounted for 13.3% of exports in kind, Poland for 11.6%, and Germany for 11.4%, together forming just 36.2% of total flows. The remaining 63.8% was distributed among a wide range of other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported casein volumes from Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totalled 5.9 million US dollars, constituting a 19.8% year-over-year rise. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 22.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 7.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 22.9%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the largest increase of 32.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The partner structure of exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 remained fragmented. France accounted for 12.4% of exports in value terms, Poland for 11.1%, and Germany for 10.9%, together representing only 34.4% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant share.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports casein to Asia

Imports in kind, t

Casein imports into Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 29 788 tonnes, up by 9.9% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, Ireland, and France consistently remained the main destinations for imports in kind. New Zealand accounted for 59.8% of imports in kind, Ireland for 10.7%, and France for 10.6%, together representing 81.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Casein deliveries to Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports tallied 249.6 million US dollars, constituting a sharp increase of 36.7% from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports rose by 51.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets—New Zealand, Ireland, and France—remained central to imports in value terms, together accounting for 83.0% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Asia in value, 2017-2020