TOKYO, Jan. 27 — Japan will double non-fat dried milk import quota for the year 2018 starting April 1, as consumers are increasingly looking to enjoy healthier products, such as yogurt, which use the dairy ingredient.
Japan imports designated dairy products through a state-trading system operated by the agriculture ministry. Every year, the ministry sets quotas based on monitoring the supply and demand situation in the dairy sector.
The ministry announced on Jan. 26 that it will increase its non-fat dried milk quota by 14,000 metric tons this year from a year earlier to 27,000 metric tons.
“Dairy-makers will likely top up stocks for non-fat dried milk as they target health-conscious consumers,” an agriculture ministry official said.
However, the butter quota will remain unchanged at 13,000 tons, as good stocks should satisfy the domestic demand this year, the ministry said.
The ministry will reassess the supply and demand situation in May and September.