Dairy imports are increasing rapidly this year, unlike other food items which have seen significant declines.

INSTAT reported that during the 7th month of 2023, food imports remain almost unchanged compared to the same period a year ago, as the country is facing an unusual influx of tourists with an increase of over 30 percent.

In the first 7 months of the year, dairy imports have increased by 23 percent. Unlike other foods, which have remained in the same trend compared to last year, milk, cheese, butter, including eggs and honey, are experiencing rapid growth. The data show that the amount of their imports in January-July was 19 thousand tons from 16 thousand that was reported last year,

At this rate, the weight of imported dairy products will be even higher this year and this indicator comes from the lack of domestic milk production.

Even on the supermarket shelves, foreign brands of milk and dairy generally compete in price with local products.

The Association of Milk Processors states that imported products have an advantage due to the much lower costs they have in the milk processing sector, because the price of fresh milk purchased by farmers is 35-45% cheaper than in the country ours. Also, they have better oil, electricity and gas prices.