Milk and cream market in Central Asia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, milk and cream production in Central Asia increased from 20.9 million tonnes to 22.3 million tonnes. This growth was initially driven by state programs launched in 2018 to develop the food industry and boost local output. In 2019, new labor laws improved working conditions at production sites, enhancing operational efficiency. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 prompted stricter sanitary and hygiene rules, which helped maintain continuous production despite global disruptions.

From 2021 to 2023, output continued its rise, reaching 24.2 million tonnes by 2023. The entry of new players and the establishment of additional production facilities in 2021 expanded market supply. Concurrently, the introduction of new product labeling and quality control rules raised industry standards. In 2022, government measures to support local producers and changes in packaging requirements further stimulated market activity. By 2023, the development of new segments, including organic and specially labeled dairy products, responded to evolving consumer preferences, supported by new quality control and sales regulations.

In 2024, 48 new food industry enterprises were established, creating 277 new jobs, while reported production volume in the first half of the year increased by 108% compared to the same period in 2023. This expansion was fueled by sustained state backing and increased private investment.

Production milk and cream in Central Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Milk and cream production in Central Asia has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 22 299 thousand tons, showing a modest increase of 3.5% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 10.6%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 3.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Central Asia's milk and cream production value rebounded after two years of decline. In 2020, output was valued at 16 048 million US dollars, a significant 26.1% increase from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 12 730 million US dollars, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 16.2%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Central Asia

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Central Asia's milk and cream exports declined in 2020. Shipments totaled 37 280 tons, down 14.0% from the previous year. The peak was in 2019 at 43 370 tons, with the largest increase that year at 33.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 50.5%, averaging an annualized rate of 14.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia was the top destination for Central Asia's milk and cream exports in volume terms, accounting for 67.1% of total shipments.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Central Asia's milk and cream export value has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 24 474 thousand US dollars, a solid rise of 12.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 75.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 20.6%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, Russia and Afghanistan remained the leading markets for Central Asia's milk and cream exports in value terms, together representing 65.5% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Central Asia

Imports in kind, t

Central Asia's milk and cream imports in volume terms increased in 2020 after two years of contraction. Imports amounted to 21 152 tons, a moderate 5.5% rise year-over-year. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 20 056 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 22.8%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 19.4%, averaging an annualized decline of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Belarus, and France were the main suppliers of milk and cream to Central Asia in volume terms. Russia accounted for 33.1% of imports, Belarus for 16.1%, and France for 3.8%, together making up 53.0% of total imports.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Milk and cream imports into Central Asia have grown for the second year in a row in value terms. In 2020, imports reached 32 713 thousand US dollars, a sharp increase of 60.4% compared to 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 19 880 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 32.5%. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 11.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, France, and Belarus were the principal sources for Central Asia's milk and cream imports in value terms. Russia accounted for 41.3% of imports, France for 14.3%, and Belarus for 12.3%, jointly representing 67.8% of total flows.

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

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