Mainland tourists rush to buy milk powder spread from Hong Kong to Macau

China News Service reported on February 10 that according to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), the recent purchases of infant formula milk powder in Hong Kong showed signs of spread. Macau milk powder suppliers revealed that the local milk powder sales situation has also shown an “abnormal” phenomenon. Radio Macau quoted Nestle milk powder agents in the area as saying that the Macau milk powder distribution point had recently caused insufficient supplies due to the large number of purchases by Mainland visitors and “sweepers”.

The report quoted the person in charge of the pharmacy as saying that during the Spring Festival holiday, there were a lot of mainlanders who bought powdered milk, and there were cases where mainland tourists clamored because they could not buy milk powder.

Before the Spring Festival in Hong Kong, there has been a surge in buying infant milk powder. During the Spring Festival holiday, it is also common for mainland tourists to take a few cans of large powdered milk in and out of the hotel.

According to reports, the person in charge of the pharmacy fears that the currently out-of-stock milk powder has not been replenished, and the supply will be tighter in the near future. However, the agent points out that the manufacturer will formulate an annual supply quota for each region and will not change it casually.

More and more mainland parents are now choosing to import imported baby milk powder, but these milk powder prices are usually high in the Mainland. Many mainland tourists will purchase large quantities of these imported milk powder when travelling to Hong Kong, especially those who live in Guangdong Province and will often transit. "Shuipin" also spotted this market, buying milk powder in large quantities and taking it to Guangdong to profit from it.

"Milk powder shortage" triggered the request of parents and congressmen in Hong Kong to introduce the "Baby Milk Powder Departure Tax". However, the Hong Kong Government has stated that the collection of departure tax will violate the World Trade Organization's provisions on free trade.