Concentrated milk and cream market in Eastern Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the market volume for concentrated milk and cream in Eastern Africa grew from 22 753 tonnes to 26 056 tonnes. This expansion was driven by the rapid 40% annual growth in the domestic pasteurized fresh milk market in Kampala, which increased overall dairy demand and spurred higher imports. Concurrently, the Ugandan government's procurement of dairy processing equipment for smallholder farmers and the expansion of milk collection centers enhanced local milk availability and processing capacity, supporting the market's supply side.

The market contracted to 22 244 tonnes in 2020 as imports declined, a period that also saw increased revenue from dairy product exports. In 2021, a sharp surge in imports pushed the market volume to a peak of 28 412 tonnes. The following year, volume fell to 22 712 tonnes before stabilizing at 23 017 tonnes in 2023.

Throughout the period, continued government support for dairy equipment distribution and milk collection infrastructure, along with the regulatory role of the Dairy Development Authority, provided a stable backdrop for production. The strong consumer demand for milk and dairy products in urban centers further underpinned the market.

Production concentrated milk and cream in Eastern Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of concentrated milk and cream, 2017-2020

Concentrated milk and cream production in Eastern Africa has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 8 179 tonnes, representing a 2.8% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 2.3%, which translates to an average annual decline of 0.8%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 561 tonnes, marking a 2.3% increase that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the value of concentrated milk and cream production in Eastern Africa reached 15 846 thousand US dollars, showing a significant increase of 11.4% from the year before. However, over the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 5.4%, averaging an annual decline of 1.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 14 222 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 16 750 thousand US dollars. The most substantial drop was in 2019, with a decline of 15.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Eastern Africa in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports concentrated milk and cream from Eastern Africa

Exports in kind, t

The market for concentrated milk and cream exports from Eastern Africa showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2020, exports totaled 965 tonnes, which was a 50.7% increase from the previous year. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 299 tonnes, representing a decline of 63.4% that year. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase at 114.2%. Overall, exports peaked in 2020 and hit their lowest point in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the export structure for concentrated milk and cream in Eastern Africa was primarily influenced by the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Arab Emirates. Together, these two countries accounted for 27.7% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values for concentrated milk and cream in Eastern Africa displayed an unstable trend over these years. In 2020, exports reached 1 870 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 72.8% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 585 thousand US dollars, which saw a decline of 64.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 85.0%. Overall, export values peaked in 2020 and dropped to their minimum in 2018, showing a 3.2-fold variation.

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

During the period from 2017 to 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the United Arab Emirates were the key buyers of concentrated milk and cream from Eastern Africa in value terms. Their combined share accounted for 51.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports concentrated milk and cream to Eastern Africa

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Eastern Africa imported 15 030 tonnes of concentrated milk and cream, which was a 17.8% decrease from the previous year. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 14 490 tonnes, while the highest was in 2019 at 18 277 tonnes, marking a 26.1% increase that year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main suppliers of concentrated milk and cream to Eastern Africa in volume terms were Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Malaysia accounted for 58.1% of imports, Saudi Arabia for 13.8%, and South Africa for 5.3%, together making up 77.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, imports of concentrated milk and cream into Eastern Africa declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 18 466 thousand US dollars, representing a 20.8% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports fell by 3.3%, averaging an annual decline of 1.1%. The highest import value was recorded in 2019 at 23 329 thousand US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 17.3%.

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

In value terms, the primary sources for concentrated milk and cream imports into Eastern Africa from 2017 to 2020 were Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and France. Malaysia contributed 38.3% of import value, Saudi Arabia 16.2%, and France 14.8%, together accounting for 69.2% of total import flows.

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

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