Lactose and lactose syrup market in Argentina

Earlier Report Observations

The market for lactose and lactose syrup in Argentina contracted from over 6 000 t in 2018 to below 4 000 t by 2023. Initial regulatory measures in 2018, such as Joint Resolution 12/2018 setting specific rules for carbohydrate use including lactose and facilitating storage for dairy products, provided a structured environment. However, market volume began a steady decline from 2019 onward.

The downward trend accelerated from 2021 when new regulations for low-lactose and lactose-free foods (Joint Resolution 19/2021) recognized technologies to reduce lactose content, potentially shifting demand. In 2022, adverse climate conditions affecting milk production and government price control policies significantly restrained the dairy sector, reducing imports and consumption. By 2023, despite some recovery in milk output and the extension of export duty suspensions, persistent economic challenges and continued price regulations kept market volume under pressure.

In 2024, the dairy sector crisis deepened with reported sales drops of nearly 45% for flavored milk products, reflecting broader consumption declines due to reduced purchasing power and changing consumer habits. Production concentration—with only one company producing food-grade lactose in Argentina—also influenced supply dynamics amid falling demand.

Production lactose and lactose syrup in Argentina

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Argentina ranked 14th globally in terms of lactose and lactose syrup production volume.

Top producers of lactose and lactose syrup, 2017-2020

World map of production of lactose and lactose syrup, 2017-2020

In 2020, Argentina produced 1 211 tonnes of lactose and lactose syrup, marking a 4.8% increase compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 9.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 3.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a drop of 2.9%, while the most significant increase was recorded in 2018 at 7.3%.

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

Exports lactose and lactose syrup from Argentina

Exports in kind, t

In 2019, Argentina exported 20 tonnes of lactose and lactose syrup, showing no significant change from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2019, exports fell sharply by 98.5%, corresponding to an annualized decline of 75.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Brazil accounted for 70.1% of Argentina's total lactose and lactose syrup exports in volume, with the remaining flows distributed among various smaller trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2019, Argentina's lactose and lactose syrup exports were valued at 69 thousand US dollars, remaining largely unchanged from the year before. Over the 2017-2019 period, export value decreased by 95.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -63.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Brazil and Nigeria were the leading markets for Argentina's lactose and lactose syrup exports in value terms, together making up 80.1% of total flows, while other partners contributed to a lesser extent.

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

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

Imports lactose and lactose syrup to Argentina

Imports in kind, t

Argentina's imports of lactose and lactose syrup declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 3 694 tonnes, reflecting a substantial 17.8% decrease from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 12.2%, with a CAGR of -4.2%. The highest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 5 105 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 21.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands (34.4% of import volume), Australia (25.2%), and the United States (18.8%) were the primary sources for Argentina's lactose and lactose syrup imports, collectively accounting for 78.4% of total volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Argentina's imports of lactose and lactose syrup in value terms declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 8 380 thousand US dollars, down 17.3% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, import value decreased by 18.4%, equating to an annualized rate of -6.6%. The peak value was in 2018 at 10 839 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest increase of 5.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, the Netherlands (39.4% of import value), Australia (30.9%), and the United States (12.5%) were the main suppliers of lactose and lactose syrup to Argentina, together comprising 82.9% of total import value.

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

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