Concentrated not sweetened milk and cream market in South Korea

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for concentrated not sweetened milk and cream in South Korea fell sharply from 5 353 tons in 2018 to 2 556 tons in 2020. This decline was driven by a long-term trend of decreasing birth rates, which reduced overall demand for dairy products. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic caused global supply chain disruptions and a drop in domestic raw milk production, further curbing output.

From 2021 onward, the market volume stabilized around 2 400 tons, edging down slightly to 2 397 tons in 2023. During this period, dairy companies such as Seoul Milk focused on expanding premium lines, including the launch of A2 and A2+ milk, and developing health‑oriented functional products. Growth in dairy exports, where condensed products accounted for about 10% of the total, also supported the sector despite ongoing demographic challenges.

Production concentrated not sweetened milk and cream in South Korea

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of concentrated not sweetened milk and cream, 2017-2020

South Korea's production of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 2,541 tonnes, which represents a 31.1% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 39.5%, with an average annual decline of 15.4%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5,330 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 26.9%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream from South Korea

Exports in kind, kg

In 2020, South Korea exported 268 kilograms of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream, marking an 83.3% drop from the previous year. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 94.4%, which translates to an average annual decline of 61.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Hong Kong was consistently the primary destination for South Korea's exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in volume terms, accounting for 81.8% of total shipments. The remaining share was distributed among various smaller markets.

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

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

Exports in value, $ US

In 2020, the value of South Korea's exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream amounted to $712, reflecting a 47.2% decrease year-on-year. Between 2017 and 2020, export values fell by 92%, with an average annual decline of 56.9%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Hong Kong and Cambodia were the dominant destinations for South Korea's exports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in value terms, together making up 93.2% of total flows. The remainder was split among smaller markets.

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

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

Imports concentrated not sweetened milk and cream to South Korea

Imports in kind, kg

Import volumes showed significant fluctuations, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest point was in 2019 at 6,012 kilograms, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 23,217 kilograms, creating a 3.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 15,754 kilograms, representing a sharp increase of 162.0% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 74.1%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 285.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Korea in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands and New Zealand were the key sources for South Korea's imports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 77.2% of total imports, while New Zealand made up 22.4%, together forming 99.5% of the total.

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

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

Imports in value, $ US

Import values exhibited considerable volatility, with levels fluctuating 5.3 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2018. In 2020, the value of imports reached $29,802, up by 171.5% compared to the previous year. The peak was recorded in 2018 at $49,248. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 77.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018 at 426.0%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, the Netherlands dominated South Korea's imports of concentrated unsweetened milk and cream in value terms, accounting for 70.2% of total flows. The remaining share was distributed among a fragmented group of other markets.

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

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