The General Customs Administration of China has officially opened the marketplace for Romanian dairy, making available to its producers access to the sector valued at around USD 70 billion. The decision, announced on 16 April 2026, entered into force on the day of publication and represents an crucial step in the improvement of trade cooperation between Bucharest and Beijing.
According to the document, products originating in Romania, made from cow's milk, sheep's milk or goat's milk, were allowed to be imported subject to compliance with Chinese food safety standards. The category of products covered by the authorisation includes: pasteurised milk and UHT, cheeses (including melted cheese), cream, butter, condensed milk, powdered milk, whey, whey proteins, casein, milk minerals and substitute formulae for infants and their milk-based intermediates.
Only establishments registered by the Romanian side and approved by the Chinese customs authorities, operating under veterinary supervision and gathering the sanitary and hygiene requirements of both countries, may export. In addition, the natural material must come from a farm free from infectious animal diseases (including foot-and-mouth disease, bovine tuberculosis) and each consignment requires an authoritative veterinary certificate issued by the Romanian authorities.
According to data from the Chinese Dairy manufacture Association, the gross of the largest processors in China reached RMB 510 billion in 2024, which confirms the strategical importance of this marketplace for exporters. The beginning of the Chinese marketplace for Romania is part of a wider trend in the diversification of food import sources by China and the strengthening of economical relations with the countries of Central and east Europe.
For Romanian producers, this decision marks a real chance for expansion in the Asia-Pacific region. Experts estimation that in the average word the share of Romanian dairy in Chinese imports can grow systematically, especially in premium segments: ripening cheeses, functional products and baby foods. Competition with another suppliers (New Zealand, EU) and the request to adapt logistics and certification to the requirements of the Chinese border control strategy stay a challenge.
Source:
Author: 梁安基 Andrzej Z. Liang, 上海 Shanghai, 中国 China
Email: [email protected]
Editorial: Leszek B.
Email: [email protected]
