Concentrated or sweetened milk and cream market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

The U.S. market for concentrated or sweetened milk and cream expanded in 2018 and 2019, with volume reaching 2 523 thousand tons in 2019. This initial growth was supported by product innovation, as the dense texture and sugary flavor of sweetened condensed milk made it a key ingredient in desserts like cakes and ice creams, driving demand from both retail and foodservice sectors.

Market volume then declined over the next three years, falling to 2 353 thousand tons by 2022. This contraction coincided with rising consumer interest in vegan and non-dairy alternatives, which shifted some demand away from traditional dairy-based condensed milk. By 2023, the market recovered to 2 443 thousand tons, fueled by increased demand for convenience foods, expanded use in bakery and confectionery applications, and innovations in packaging such as heatable pouches that improved product accessibility and shelf life.

In 2024, the market landscape continued to evolve with the entry of new players like Brancourts Dairy and Oatly launching novel packaging and plant-based creamers, while established producers such as Galloway Company announced a significant expansion of production capacity. These developments responded to persistent trends toward home baking, health-conscious formulations, and the growing café culture, which sustained demand for both dairy and plant-based concentrated milk products.

Production concentrated or sweetened milk and cream in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States held the top position globally in the production of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream.

Top producers of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

The United States saw its production of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream rise for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 3 328 K t, marking a slight increase of 2.7% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.3%, which translates to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest production volume was recorded in 2018 at 3 202 K t, with the largest decline that year at 0.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The United States experienced an increase in the value of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream production for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production was valued at 8 312 M $ US, reflecting a modest gain of 8.1% over the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, the value rose by 22.3%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.9%. The minimum value occurred in 2018 at 6 174 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 9.2%. The largest increase was recorded in 2019 at 24.5%.

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

Exports concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, the United States exported 868.3 K t of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream, up by 14.0% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 33.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0%. The largest decline was in 2019 at 2.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 19.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Mexico, the Philippines, and Indonesia were the leading contributors to U.S. exports in kind. Mexico accounted for 42.3% of exports, the Philippines for 11.3%, and Indonesia for 8.3%, together making up 61.9% of total export flows.

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 United States recorded an increase in the value of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream exports for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 2 168 M $ US, up by 20.0% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value grew by 57.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mexico, the Philippines, and Indonesia were the top buyers of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream from the United States in value terms. Mexico represented 41.3% of exports, the Philippines 11.0%, and Indonesia 8.5%, with their combined share reaching 60.9% 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 concentrated or sweetened milk and cream to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Imports reached their lowest point in 2020 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, the United States imported 17.2 K t of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream, down by 61.5% from a year earlier. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 44.6 K t, with the largest increase that year at 137.9%.

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

During 2017–2020, Mexico, Chile, and Peru formed the main cluster of markets for U.S. imports in kind. Mexico accounted for 34.8% of imports, Chile for 25.1%, and Peru for 16.8%, together representing 76.7% 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 a two-year decrease, imports of concentrated or sweetened milk and cream into the United States increased. In 2020, imports were valued at 98 M $ US, corresponding to a robust rise of 23.2% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 18.6%, with a CAGR of 5.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 98 M $ US, with the largest decline that year at 3.1%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Mexico, Chile, and the Netherlands remained the key partners for U.S. imports in value terms. Mexico represented 37.2% of imports, Chile 22.0%, and the Netherlands 12.4%, together accounting for 71.6% 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