Sergey Kovalkov: The reason for the growth of milk imports in Russia is the shortage of milk powder

‘In Russia, in addition to processing, feed and raw materials have become more expensive. Belarus has sent large volumes of milk powder to China, as well as to third countries. As a result, there is a shortage of milk powder in Russia and the prices for it and butter have increased,’ the expert explained. 

According to the head of the Group of companies Prodinvest, the increase in the price of milk imports affects its cost in Russia, but to a lesser extent. The main reason is that there is simply not enough of it.

When asked whether the price of milk imports will break records in the future, the expert replied as follows:

- No, the price will move up, but I do not see global growth.

Speaking about the change in the price of exchange-traded dairy products - cheese, butter, whey powder, skimmed milk powder, the expert states that their cost has increased by 15-20%, except for cheese. This trend will not affect the activities of importing companies in any way, since those who imported dairy products to Russia will continue to import them.

According to Sergey Kovalkov, the Russian market depends on the situation on the world market and on international auctions, but every year less and less, which is due to the growth of milk production in our country.

The expert called the situation faced by milk producers and processors difficult.

— The cost of dairy products is growing, and it is difficult to raise the price on the shelves in stores. Consequently, the marginality of manufacturers is decreasing.