Butter, dairy spreads and milk fats market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The US market for butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats grew in physical volume from 1.8 million tons in 2018 to nearly 2 million tons by 2023, with a notable peak in 2020 followed by a temporary dip and recovery.

Measured in value, the market initially declined from over $7.2 billion in 2018 to around $6.3 billion in 2021, before a sharp increase to more than $9.1 billion in 2022, indicating significant changes in pricing or product mix.

Developments in 2024 were marked by the expansion of the plant-based butter segment, fueled by growing health consciousness, dietary shifts, and environmental considerations. This prompted launches of non-dairy products by established companies and drew regulatory attention to labeling practices for alternative products.

Production butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States ranked fifth globally in the production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats.

Top producers of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

World map of production of butter, dairy spreads and milk fats, 2017-2020

The United States saw its production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats rise for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 1 969 K t of these products, marking a modest 7.5% increase from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 5.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following two years of growth, the production value of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats in the United States fell. In 2020, the output was valued at 6 253 M $ US, reflecting a significant 12.6% decrease compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value declined by 3.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 7 155 M $ US, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 9.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats from the United States

Exports in kind, t

Exports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats from the United States dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 28 582 t of these products, representing a substantial 12.9% decline from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 16.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -5.8%. The peak was in 2018 at 51 874 t, with the largest decline of 36.7% in 2019 and the biggest increase of 51.5% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia were the leading buyers of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats from the United States. Canada accounted for 42.5% of exports in kind, Mexico for 19.0%, and Saudi Arabia for 6.6%, together making up 68.0% of total exports in kind.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats exports from the United States fell for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 103.6 M $ US, showing a 16.3% decrease from the year before. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value dropped by 25.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -9.3%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 181.8 M $ US, with the largest decline of 31.9% in 2019 and the biggest increase of 30.7% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Canada, Mexico, and Saudi Arabia were the primary buyers of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats from the United States in value terms. Canada contributed 46.2% of exports in value, Mexico 12.9%, and Saudi Arabia 8.2%, collectively accounting for 67.2% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from the United States in value, 2017-2020

Imports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats to the United States

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular fluctuations, pointing to a volatile market environment. Imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into the United States varied significantly, with a 1.8-fold difference between the peak and trough from 2017 to 2019. In 2020, imports amounted to 47 883 t, a 29.4% contraction compared to the previous year. The highest volume was recorded in 2019 at 67 865 t, with the largest increase of 70.3% also in 2019.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Ireland, New Zealand, and Mexico were the key partners for imports in kind of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into the United States. Ireland accounted for 48.0% of imports in kind, New Zealand for 15.7%, and Mexico for 15.3%, together representing 79.1% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

After two years of growth, imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into the United States declined. In 2020, import value was recorded at 368.1 M $ US, a 9.1% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 50.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.7%. The peak value was in 2019 at 404.9 M $ US, and the largest increase of 37.6% occurred in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Ireland, Mexico, and New Zealand were the top contributors to imports in value terms of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into the United States. Ireland made up 55.3% of imports in value, Mexico 12.9%, and New Zealand 12.7%, jointly accounting for 81.0% of total import flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to the United States in value, 2017-2020