Butter, dairy spreads and milk fats market in Western Asia, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

The butter and dairy spreads market in Western Asia grew to 821 thousand tons in 2019 before contracting sharply to 618.8 thousand tons in 2020. This decline was primarily driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused temporary food supply chain disruptions and altered demand through panic buying and logistical challenges.

After stabilizing near 616 thousand tons in 2021, the market volume recovered to 626.4 thousand tons in 2022 and further to 655.8 thousand tons in 2023. The growth in 2023 was supported by a clear consumer shift back to minimally processed dairy products and a strengthening trend towards natural traits and premiumization in butters and spreads.

Production butter, dairy spreads and milk fats in Western Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

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

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

Western Asia's production of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 453.9 K t, marking a 33.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 28%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 678.4 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 4.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats from Western Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The export market demonstrated volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 14.3 K t and peaked in 2019 at 45.6 K t, representing a 3.2-fold difference. In 2020, Western Asia's export volume of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats amounted to 16.2 K t, showing a sharp decline of 64.4% compared to the previous year. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 218.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Iran, Russia, and Egypt consistently served as the primary destinations for exports in kind. Iran accounted for 44.2% of exports, Russia for 3.0%, and Egypt for 1.5%, together representing 48.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Export values reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, varying 2.3 times between these years. In 2020, shipments from Western Asia were valued at 89.1 M $ US, reflecting a 39.5% year-over-year decline. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 147.3 M $ US, with the largest increase occurring that same year at 74.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. Iran accounted for 23.1% of export value, Russia for 4.1%, and Egypt for 1.6%, together representing just 28.8% of total flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Western Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports butter, dairy spreads and milk fats to Western Asia

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of growth, imports of butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats into Western Asia declined. In 2020, the region imported 181.2 K t, representing a modest decrease of 3.8% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 23.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.3%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 188.3 K t, with the largest annual increase occurring that same year at 22.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Western Asia sourced butter, dairy spreads, and milk fats from numerous countries. Even the top three suppliers—New Zealand, Denmark, and India—together accounted for only 48.3% of total imports in kind.

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

World map of product's imports to Western Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Imports in value terms declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 872.3 M $ US, showing a slight decrease of 0.7% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 15.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 891.6 M $ US, with the largest increase occurring that year at 18.2% and the largest decline in 2019 at 1.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, New Zealand, Denmark, and France emerged as the main sources of imports in value terms. New Zealand accounted for 30.2% of import value, Denmark for 13.1%, and France for 7.5%, together representing 50.7% of total imports.

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

World map of product's imports to Western Asia in value, 2017-2020