Casein market in Eastern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

The casein market in Eastern Asia began expanding in 2018, supported by growing activity from major players across the Asia Pacific region. Demand for casein in dietary supplements provided continued momentum into 2019. While the COVID-19 pandemic introduced supply chain disruptions and economic uncertainty in 2020, the market's underlying growth persisted, fueled by sustained consumer interest in health-oriented nutrition.

Market growth accelerated notably from 2021 onward. The launch of new protein products containing casein, such as those by Asahi Group Foods, directly catered to rising demand for sports nutrition and health supplements. Easing of COVID-19 restrictions in China, a key consumer market, further stimulated consumption recovery. Major industry participants, including Fonterra, Arla Foods, and Kerry Group, strengthened their market presence through initiatives like online dairy portals and production innovations.

Technological advancements, particularly the application of AI and IoT in Japan to enhance production efficiency and quality control, supported the market's supply side. Concurrently, broader consumer trends toward high-protein foods, functional products, and personalized nutrition provided a consistent demand driver throughout the period, solidifying the market's expansion.

Production casein in Eastern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of casein, 2017-2020

World map of production of casein, 2017-2020

Casein production in Eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 3,745 tons of casein, marking an 8.3% year-over-year rise. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 15.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 4.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Casein production in Eastern Asia has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 21,902 thousand US dollars, showing a substantial 12.6% increase compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production rose by 17.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.5%.

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

Exports casein from Eastern Asia

Exports in kind, t

Eastern Asia's casein exports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region exported 858 tons of casein, representing a solid 14.7% rise from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 13.5%, with an annualized rate of 4.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 544 tons, which saw the largest decline of 28.0%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2019, with a 37.5% jump.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of casein exports in kind was highly diversified. France accounted for 17.2% of exports, Germany for 13.0%, and Poland for 12.6%, with these three countries together making up only 42.8% of total flows. The remaining 57.2% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Exported casein volumes from Eastern Asia have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 5.0 million US dollars, which is 19.2% higher than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 15.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 3.1 million US dollars, which experienced the largest decline of 27.8%. The largest increase was in 2019, with a 34.1% rise.

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

During 2017 to 2020, France was a key buyer of casein from Eastern Asia, accounting for 14.4% of exports in value terms, followed by Thailand at 12.6% and Germany at 12.0%. However, their combined share reached only 39.0% of total exports, with the remaining 61.0% distributed among many other partners.

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

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

Imports casein to Eastern Asia

Imports in kind, t

Casein deliveries to Eastern Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported a total of casein, showing a 14.4% year-over-year increase. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 36.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 10.9%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, New Zealand was the main supplier of casein to Eastern Asia, accounting for 71.9% of total imports in kind, while other partners had relatively modest shares.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Casein imports into Eastern Asia have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports were recorded at 149.7 million US dollars, corresponding to a steep 36.6% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports rose by 57%, with a compound annual growth rate of 16.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand accounted for 71.3% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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