The United Kingdom and Russia ranked as the world’s largest cheese importers in 2021, with 409,000 and 323,000 tons, respectively.
This was followed by Japan (288,000 tons), China (240,000 tons) and Saudi Arabia (192,000 tons), according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF considers the statistics for China in this case to include mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau.
According to its projections for 2022, world cheese exports in 2022 will total 3.6 million tons, which is 1.0% higher than in 2021, driven by higher expected imports from the United Kingdom, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Republic of Korea, El Salvador, Canada and the United States.
From the IMF’s perspective, these increases are likely to be largely offset by significant reductions in imports from the Russian Federation, Australia, the Philippines, China, Chile, and Japan.
In particular, the United Kingdom is heading for a partial recovery in cheese imports, mainly from the European Union, reflecting the likely relaxation of customs control.
Cheese importers
Mexico could also import more cheese, reflecting the revival of the food processing sector. The growing popularity of cheese is also expected to boost imports.
Top 5 world cheese importers
Regarding China, cheese imports to that nation are forecast to decline moderately in 2022, due to the economic slowdown, Covid-19 pandemic restrictions and ongoing closures that disrupt the supply chain and reduce domestic demand.
Conversely, the Russian Federation could import less cheese due to low consumer purchasing power, while currency fluctuation and rising prices could deter cheese purchases by the Philippines.
Despite limited milk production, the European Union – the world’s largest cheese exporter – is expected to increase exports as processors channel a high proportion of available milk supplies into cheese production and growing global demand.
Given strong demand from Mexico, the United States may also export more cheese.
The United Kingdom could increase cheese exports, especially to the European Union.
In contrast, in New Zealand, cheese exports could decline moderately. Egypt could also decrease shipments due to limited export availabilities.
