Lactose and lactose syrup market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The market volume for lactose and lactose syrup in the MENA region experienced fluctuations in physical terms between 2018 and 2023, ranging from 23.4 thousand tons to 28.7 thousand tons. In value terms, however, the market showed a clear upward trend, growing from $29.8 million in 2018 to $58.6 million in 2023, reflecting higher unit prices or a shift toward more valuable product segments.

Domestic production more than doubled from 4.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 9.1 thousand tons in 2023, reducing reliance on imports. Imports, while volatile, remained the primary supply source, peaking at 32.4 thousand tons in 2020. Export volumes also expanded, particularly in 2019 and 2020, indicating growing regional trade.

In 2024, the broader dairy market in MENA remained stable with minimal consumption growth, which likely sustained demand for lactose as a derivative. Trade flows for lactose and lactose syrup showed consistency, with imports at 28.7 thousand tons and exports at 8.5 thousand tons, suggesting steady market activity.

Production lactose and lactose syrup in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, t

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 the MENA region has grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 8,500 tonnes, representing a 6.3% increase from 2019. Production reached its lowest point in 2018 at 4,908 tonnes, which marked the largest decline of 5.6% that year. However, 2019 saw the most significant growth, with production surging by 63.0%. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 63.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 17.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

The value of lactose and lactose syrup production in the MENA region has risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at $13,394,000, reflecting a sharp increase of 29.4% compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $6,401,000, which saw the largest decline of 11.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest jump, with a 61.7% increase. From 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 85.6%, translating to an average annual rate of 22.9%.

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

Exports lactose and lactose syrup from MENA

Exports in kind, t

Following two years of growth, MENA's lactose and lactose syrup export volume declined in 2020. Exports reached 12,172 tonnes, down 10.7% from the previous year. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 13,635 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 60.2%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 64.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Poland, India, and China were the leading markets for MENA's lactose and lactose syrup exports in volume terms. Poland accounted for 33.8% of exports, India for 13.0%, and China for 6.0%. Together, these three countries represented 52.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of lactose and lactose syrup exports from the MENA region has increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled $19,180,000, up 8.7% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, export value rose by 86.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 23.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, MENA's lactose and lactose syrup exports in value terms were distributed across a wide range of markets. Poland was the top destination with 27.4% of exports, followed by India at 9.7% and China at 4.5%. Combined, these three markets accounted for 41.6% of total export value.

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

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

Imports lactose and lactose syrup to MENA

Imports in kind, t

Lactose and lactose syrup imports into the MENA region have grown for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 32,381 tonnes, showing a solid increase of 11.7% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import volume rose by 36.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 10.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Italy, and Turkey were key suppliers of lactose and lactose syrup to the MENA region in volume terms. Germany accounted for 16.0% of imports, Italy for 14.0%, and Turkey for 10.4%. Together, their share reached 40.4% of total imports, indicating a notable but not dominant role.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of lactose and lactose syrup imports into the MENA region has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports were valued at $50,593,000, up 9.1% from the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at $34,478,000, which saw the largest decline of 15.1%. In 2019, imports surged by 34.5%, marking the biggest increase. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value grew by 24.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.6%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, imports of lactose and lactose syrup into MENA in value terms were relatively evenly spread among suppliers. Germany led with 18.3% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 9.2% and Italy at 8.8%. These three countries together accounted for 36.4% of total import flows.

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

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