Milk and cream market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Canada's milk and cream market increased from 12.9 million tons in 2018 to 13.4 million tons in 2023. This growth was supported by the introduction of innovative products such as organic, lactose-free, and protein-enriched options, which aligned with shifting consumer preferences. Simultaneously, the consolidation of dairy farms reduced their total number but raised production efficiency through improved agricultural practices, contributing to higher overall output.

The implementation of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in July 2020 affected component pricing, while continued farm consolidation and the entry of new players into specialized segments like lactose-free and protein-fortified products expanded supply. Market volume stabilized around 13.2 million tons in 2022 alongside tighter labeling and traceability requirements, before recovering to 13.4 million tons in 2023 as new farm-gate price regulations and a focus on sustainable practices took effect.

In 2024, the announcement of 11 incentive days under the supply management system aimed to boost milk production, while a significant drop in feed costs due to strong North American harvests improved producer profitability. Commercial sales of milk and cream reached record levels for certain milk types, reflecting steady domestic demand.

Production milk and cream in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked as the world's 11th largest producer of milk and cream.

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk and cream, 2017-2020

Canada's milk and cream production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 13 184 K t, marking a 1.7% rise from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 5.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Canada's milk and cream output was valued at 13 614 M $ US, representing a 12.3% increase compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 22.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.0%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 5.7%, while the largest increase was in 2018, at 15.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports milk and cream from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Export volumes showed an unstable trend during this period. The lowest point was in 2018, with 7 090 t, while the peak was in 2020, at 25 336 t—a 3.6-fold difference. In 2020, exports surged by 140.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, at 19.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States was the leading destination for Canada's milk and cream exports in volume terms, accounting for 86.8% of total flows, with the remainder distributed among other partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values exhibited an unstable trend over the timeframe. The lowest value was in 2018, at 7 090 K $ US, while the peak was in 2020, at 26 163 K $ US—a 3.7-fold variation. In 2020, export value jumped by 165.1% year-over-year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 9.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States served as the primary market for Canada's milk and cream exports in value terms, consistently absorbing 91.2% of total exports.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Canada

Imports in kind, t

Canada's milk and cream imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 55 213 t, up 20.2% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 121.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 30.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States dominated Canada's milk and cream imports in volume terms, capturing 92.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Canada's milk and cream imports in value terms rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 36 642 K $ US, an 18.1% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 32%, with an average annual growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was in 2018, at 22 533 K $ US, with the largest decline that year at 18.8%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 37.7%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States was the key partner for Canada's milk and cream imports in value terms, accounting for 92.2% of total flows.

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

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