Global Dairy Trade: Top importers and exporters of Dairy products

Global dairy trade plays a significant role in meeting the demand for dairy products worldwide. From milk and cheese to yogurt and butter, dairy products are a staple in many diets around the globe. Global dairy products trade accounted for $216.17 billion in 2023, with dairy products exports worth $107.20 billion and imports worth $108.97 billion. Germany is the biggest importer and exporter of dairy products in 2024 Q1 worth $3.21 billion and $3.57 billion respectively. Global dairy trade is a multi-billion dollar industry that involves the import and export of various dairy products. At present, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of the global dairy business stands at 7.8%. By 2027, the global market is expected to have grown at a CAGR of 6.9% to reach $1,329.15 billion. Countries around the world rely on each other to meet the demand for dairy products. The HS code for dairy products is 04. In this article, we will explore the top importers and exporters of dairy products, highlighting the key players in the industry and the trends shaping the dairy market.

Key Trends in the Global Dairy Trade

• Total Dairy Exports: Global Dairy products exports amounted to $107.20 billion in 2023.
• Total Dairy Imports: Global Dairy product imports amounted to $108.97 billion in 2023.
• Overall Market Share: The global dairy market has a total market share of 7.8% worldwide.
• Global Rankings: Dairy products are the 37Th most exported commodity and the 36th most imported commodity in 2023.
• Biggest importer and exporter: Germany is the biggest exporter as well as importer of dairy products worldwide.
• Dairy Trade by Region: The EU accounted for 36% of the global dairy market value in 2024, while Oceania held a 27% share of the market. 
• Shift towards Healthier Options: With consumers becoming more health-conscious, there is a growing demand for dairy products like Greek yogurt and lactose-free milk.
• Sustainability and Traceability: Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of dairy production.
• Trade Agreements and Tariffs: Regulation changes can impact the flow of dairy products between countries, leading to market fluctuations and challenges for exporters.

What are the biggest and most demanded dairy products exported worldwide?

According to the latest dairy export statistics for 2023, The major dairy products exported worldwide are:

1. Cheese and curd: $41.86 billion (HS code 0406)
2. Milk and cream: $21.02 billion (HS code 0402)
3. Butter, incl. dehydrated butter and ghee: $11.43 billion (HS code 0405)
4. Milk and cream, not concentrated nor containing added sugar: $11.07 billion (HS code 0401)
5. Birds' eggs, in shell, fresh, preserved, or cooked: $5.53 billion (HS code 0407)
6. Buttermilk, curdled milk, and cream, yogurt: $5.14 billion (HS code 0403)
7. Whey: $5.09 billion (HS code 0404)
8. Natural honey: $2.12 billion (HS code 0409)
9. Birds' eggs, not in shell, and egg yolks, fresh, cooked by steaming: $1.90 billion (HS code 0408)
10. Insects, turtles' eggs, birds' nests, and other edible products of animal origin: $1.10 billion (HS code 04010)

Who are the top Dairy products Exporters in the world?

Dairy products exports had a total value of $107.20 billion in 2023 with a decrease of $6.90 billion from the previous year. Germany is the biggest dairy products exporter with exports worth $13.54 billion in 2023 and $3.57 billion in 2024 quarter 1. The top 10 dairy products exporters in 2023 include:

1. Germany: $13.54 billion (12.6%)

Germany holds the top spot as the largest dairy products exporter in the world, with a total export value of $13.54 billion. This accounts for 12.6% of the global market share, representing a 2% increase from the previous year.

2. Netherlands: $12.92 billion (12.1%)

Coming in second is the Netherlands, with an export value of $12.92 billion. The Netherlands saw a 2% increase in export value from the previous year.

3. New Zealand: $12.20 billion (11.4%)

Despite a 9% decrease in export value from the previous year, New Zealand remains a major player in the global dairy products market, with a total export value of $12.20 billion.

4. France: $8.55 billion (8%)

France is the fourth-largest dairy product exporter. France saw a 4% increase in export value from the previous year, driven by the popularity of French cheese, yogurt, and butter in international markets.

5. USA: $6.66 billion (6.2%)

Despite a 16% decrease in export value from the previous year, the US remains a key player in the global dairy industry, particularly in the production of cheese and milk products.

6. Italy: $6.13 billion (5.7%)

Italy experienced a 13% increase in export value from the previous year, driven by the growing demand for Italian cheese, particularly Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano.

7. Belgium: $5.81 billion (5.4%)

Belgium saw a 3% growth in export cost from the preceding 12 months, generally because of the popularity of Belgian chocolate and dairy products in worldwide markets.

8. Ireland: $4.35 billion (4.1%)

Despite a five% lower from the previous 12 months, Irish dairy products, along with Kerry gold butter and Irish cheddar, stay popular amongst purchasers worldwide.

9. Poland: $3.80 billion (3.6%)

Poland saw a 6% decrease in export cost from the previous year, impacted by fluctuations in worldwide dairy charges.

10. Denmark: $3.28 billion (3.1%)

Denmark saw a 3% increase in export price from the preceding year, pushed by the growing demand for Danish dairy merchandise, specifically Danish blue cheese and butter.

Who are the top Dairy Products Importers in the world?

Dairy products imports accounted for $108.97 billion in 2023 with a decrease of $7.43 billion from the previous year. Germany is the biggest dairy products importer with imports worth $11.98 billion in 2023 and $3.21 billion in 2024 quarter 1. The top 10 dairy products importers in 2023 include:

1. Germany: $11.98 billion (11%)

Germany takes the top spot as the largest importer of dairy products in the world, with an import value of $11.98 billion in 2023. This represents an increase of 3% from the previous year.

2. China: $8.04 billion (7.4%)

Despite experiencing a 16% decrease in import value from the previous year, China remains a significant importer of dairy products.

3. France: $6.27 billion (5.8%)

Dairy products imported from France represent a 1% increase from the previous year, showcasing France's continued demand for high-quality dairy products.

4. Netherlands: $6.15 billion (5.6%)

Despite a slight decrease of 2% from the previous year, the Netherlands remains a key player in the global dairy trade.

5. Italy: $5.65 billion (5.2%)

There is a notable increase of 6% from the previous year, underscoring Italy's strong demand for dairy products.

6. Belgium: $5.50 billion (5%)

Belgium saw a 3% increase in import value from the previous year, highlighting Belgium's importance in the global dairy market.

7. United Kingdom: $4.44 billion (4.1%)

The UK saw an 8% increase in import value from the previous year, indicating a growing demand for dairy merchandise in the nation.

8. USA: $3.96 billion (3.6%)

The US saw a 3% growth in import prices from the previous year, signaling a constant demand for dairy merchandise inside the American marketplace.

9. Spain: $3.25 billion (3%)

Spain saw an enormous 9% boom in import value from the preceding year, highlighting Spain's developing urge for food for dairy merchandise.

10. Mexico: $2.95 billion (2.7%)

Despite a 4% decline from the previous 12 months, Mexico remains a critical player in the global dairy trade.

Biggest Dairy Products exporting and supplying companies

The top 10 dairy products exporting and supplying companies with their annual dairy sales in 2023 include:

1. Lactalis (France): $28.6 billion
2. Dairy Farmers of America (USA): $24.5 billion
3. Nestle (Switzerland): $23.3 billion
4. Danone (France): $21.2 billion
5. Yili (China): $18.3 billion
6. Aria Foods (Denmark): $14.5 billion
7. Mengniu (China): $14.4 billion
8. FrieslandCampina (Netherlands): $14.4 billion
9. Fonterra (New Zealand): $14.2 billion
10. Saputo (Canada): $13.7 billio

Global Dairy Products Trade in the last 10 years

A sharp decline in dairy prices worldwide

• The market was shocked when the global dairy trade (GDT) auction plummeted by an incredible 6.9%, accompanied by price declines for all major commodities. 
• The most recent auction saw a sudden and drastic decline in global dairy trade prices, which was primarily caused by 10% losses in milkfat goods including butter and anhydrous milk fat.
• Moreover, milk powders saw decreases: 4.3% for whole milk powder, 6.1% for skim milk powder, and 5.1% for buttermilk powder.
• Cheddar saw a steep decline of 6.9% as well.
• The GDT price index fell 6.9%, or 80 points, overall—the most since August of last year.

How does the European Green Deal affect the dairy industry?

Farmers from the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, and Germany drove hundreds of tractors into Brussels a few days before the June 6–9, 2024, European Parliament election, in protest of EU green policies that they said hurt European farmers' competitiveness, according to a Reuters report. The demonstrators declared that the Green Deal was "not realistic" and that Europe should "put it away." "The European Green Deal is the flagship project that will change Europe and determine the coming years of our region and our industry," the European Dairy Association believes. It provides an opportunity to emphasize the benefits of dairy products for society, nutrition, the environment, and the economy within the new framework. The researchers concluded that dairy production might decline by 10% to 15% if the EU's Green Deal goals are met.

Conclusion

To conclude, the global dairy trade is a complex and dynamic enterprise that is based on a network of importers and exporters to satisfy purchaser demand. With key gamers like New Zealand, China, and the EU riding the market forward, the future of the worldwide dairy trade seems promising. By staying knowledgeable about industry tendencies and adapting to converting trade patron alternatives, exporters can thrive in this competitive market.

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