Lactose and lactose syrup market in Belarus

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for lactose and lactose syrup in Belarus increased from 1 756 tons to 2 325 tons. This growth was driven by a rise in domestic production from 152 tons to 212 tons, coupled with a sharp drop in exports to 89 tons in 2020. Key factors included the entry of foreign investors like Danone into the dairy sector, which expanded processing capabilities, and sustained growth in milk yields, ensuring raw material availability for lactose production. State support through large enterprises and increased industry technological efficiency further contributed to capacity expansion.

After peaking in 2020, the market volume contracted to 1 563 tons by 2023. This decline occurred alongside a recovery in lactose exports, which grew from 89 tons in 2020 to 321 tons in 2023, while imports fell from 2 389 tons to 1 624 tons over the same period. The development of Belarus's dairy export potential, including access to new markets, facilitated higher external shipments. Simultaneously, new product segments such as lactose-free milk and cheeses emerged, altering demand patterns. Regulatory changes, notably the introduction of Decree No. 15 on dairy product labeling and packaging published in February 2024, and adjustments to logistics conditions by Belarusian Railway from January 2024 affected trade flows.

Production lactose and lactose syrup in Belarus

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Belarus ranked 19th globally in the production of lactose and lactose syrup.

Top producers of lactose and lactose syrup, 2017-2020

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

Lactose and lactose syrup production in Belarus grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 212.2 tonnes, marking a 0.7% increase compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production rose by 28.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 8.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 151.6 tonnes, when output fell by 7.9%. In contrast, 2019 saw the largest increase, with production jumping by 39.1%.

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

Exports lactose and lactose syrup from Belarus

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. Exports varied significantly, with the lowest point in 2020 at 89 tonnes and the peak in 2018 at 785 tonnes, representing an 8.8-fold difference. In 2020, cross-border shipments of lactose and lactose syrup from Belarus dropped sharply by 81.2% compared to the previous year. The largest increase occurred in 2018, when exports surged by 80.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia served as the primary destination for lactose and lactose syrup exports from Belarus, consistently accounting for 98.2% of total exports in volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Belarus's lactose and lactose syrup exports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 113 thousand US dollars, a decrease of 64.5% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 66.6%, equating to an annualized decline of 30.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 448 thousand US dollars, when exports increased by 32.3%.

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

During 2017–2020, Russia clearly dominated as the top buyer of lactose and lactose syrup from Belarus, representing 98.0% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports lactose and lactose syrup to Belarus

Imports in kind, t

The volume of lactose and lactose syrup imports into Belarus declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 202 tonnes, showing a modest decrease of 3.7% year-over-year. From 2017 to 2020, imports dropped by 10.4%, which corresponds to an annualized rate of decline of 3.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the main suppliers of lactose and lactose syrup to Belarus were Lithuania (48.6% of imports in volume), Germany (21.2%), and Slovakia (10.0%). Together, these three countries accounted for 79.8% of total imports in volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, cross-border shipments of lactose and lactose syrup into Belarus increased. In 2020, imports reached 3 288 thousand US dollars, indicating a 6.6% rise compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, imports overall decreased by 8.7%, equating to an annualized decline of 3.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 084 thousand US dollars, when imports fell by 11.7%.

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

In 2017–2020, the primary suppliers of lactose and lactose syrup to Belarus in value terms were Lithuania (41.2% of imports), Germany (23.9%), and Russia (12.5%). Collectively, these three countries made up 77.7% of total imports in value.

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

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