Cheese and curd market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the cheese and curd market in Bolivia grew steadily from 21 473 t to 22 370 t. This expansion was supported by rising consumption in cities like Cochabamba and Oruro, alongside the introduction of quick-commerce platforms such as PedidosYa Market, which boosted digital sales and immediate delivery access during the pandemic. Sanitary legislation requiring milk pasteurization affected traditional criollo cheese production, but overall market volume continued to rise as consumer interest shifted toward accessible and functional dairy products.

After 2021, the market volume experienced a slight correction to 22 038 t in 2022 and stabilized near 22 012 t in 2023. The continued expansion of digital distribution channels maintained demand for specific varieties like criollo, cream cheese, and grated Parmesan, while the market adjusted following the rapid changes in consumer behavior and supply chain digitization of the preceding years.

Production cheese and curd in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

World map of production of cheese and curd, 2017-2020

Bolivia's cheese and curd production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 21 159 tonnes, remaining virtually unchanged compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 6.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -2.2%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 20 807 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with an 8.0% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019, with a 1.3% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cheese and curd from Bolivia

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, cheese and curd exports from Bolivia totaled 0.1 tonnes, showing only marginal fluctuations compared to 2018. Between 2017 and 2019, exports decreased by 81.5%, which translates to an annualized decline of 43.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Japan effectively monopolized Bolivia's cheese and curd exports in volume terms, accounting for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, the value of cheese and curd exports from Bolivia amounted to 0.0 thousand US dollars, experiencing little to no change from 2018. Over the period from 2017 to 2019, exports decreased by 82.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of -44.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Bolivia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Japan dominated Bolivia's export structure in value terms, holding a 100.0% share of total flows.

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

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

Imports cheese and curd to Bolivia

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Bolivia's cheese and curd imports reached 712.8 tonnes, marking a 12.7% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 22.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 4.9%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 14.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bolivia in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Paraguay and Argentina clearly dominated Bolivia's import structure in volume terms, with other countries collectively forming the remaining share.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of cheese and curd imports into Bolivia reached 3 255 thousand US dollars, up by 7.2% relative to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 4.1%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 6.6%, while the largest increase was in 2018 with a 12.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Bolivia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina and Paraguay together accounted for 85.3% of Bolivia's total imports in value terms, with other countries forming a diversified but less significant portion.

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

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