Milk and cream market in Colombia

Earlier Report Observations

Colombia's production of not concentrated, not sweetened milk and cream began the period at a high of 7.9 million tons in 2018, supported by increased public investment aimed at boosting dairy output and storage. However, volume fell to 7.3 million tons in 2019, a year marked by industry consolidation around urban centers and the growth of value-added product segments like yogurt and ice cream, which may have reallocated some production focus. Output recovered to 7.6 million tons in 2020, a rise coinciding with strengthened regulations that tied raw milk payments to quality parameters, incentivizing farmers to maintain or improve their supply.

The market faced a slight contraction to 7.5 million tons in 2021 as production costs rose due to global raw material price pressures linked to geopolitical tensions. This was followed by a significant rebound to nearly 8.0 million tons in 2022, a peak reached even as new front-of-pack warning label rules and taxes on ultra-processed foods were enacted, primarily targeting sweetened dairy products. By 2023, high inflation and reduced household purchasing power led to a modest decline in volume to 7.8 million tons, reflected in falling producer prices that dampened production incentives.

Entering 2024, the market environment was shaped by new factors including a government-mandated increase in the base price for raw milk, the full enforcement of nutritional warning labels, and production challenges from the El Niño climate phenomenon, all introducing fresh dynamics to the sector.

Production milk and cream in Colombia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Colombia ranked 22nd globally in milk and cream production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Colombia's milk and cream production rebounded after a two-year decline. In 2020, the country produced 7 592 K t, marking a 3.6% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 7 328 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 6.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Colombia's milk and cream production value recovered following a two-year decrease. In 2020, output was valued at 8 281 M $ US, showing a modest 2.6% gain compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value dropped by 8.1%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The minimum value occurred in 2019 at 8 070 M $ US, which also experienced the steepest decline of 6.0%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Colombia

Exports in kind, t

The market displayed volatility during the observed period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Colombia exported 146.3 t of milk and cream, a substantial 201.5% increase from the previous year. The minimum export volume was 48.5 t in 2019, while the maximum was 155.9 t in 2018. The largest decline of 68.9% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Aruba, Peru, and the United States consistently led Colombia's milk and cream exports in volume. Aruba accounted for 46.6% of exports, Peru for 33.1%, and the United States for 10.4%, together representing 90.1% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Export values hit their lowest in 2019 and peaked in 2018, with a 3.2-fold swing. In 2020, Colombia's milk and cream exports amounted to 159.6 K $ US, a significant 198.5% year-over-year increase. The minimum value was 53.4 K $ US in 2019, and the maximum was 170.2 K $ US in 2018. The largest decline of 68.6% occurred in 2019.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Aruba and Peru dominated Colombia's milk and cream exports in value terms, while other markets played smaller individual roles.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Colombia

Imports in kind, t

Colombia's milk and cream imports increased after a two-year decrease. In 2020, the country imported 35.2 t, a strong 11.5% rise compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports fell by 57.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 25.0%. The lowest import volume was 35.2 t in 2019, and the largest decline of 52.1% was recorded in 2018.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States and Ecuador were the primary sources for Colombia's milk and cream imports in volume, together accounting for 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of milk and cream to Colombia rose after a two-year decline. In 2020, imports totaled 79.2 K $ US, a 12.0% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 65.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 29.7%. The minimum value was 70.7 K $ US in 2019, and the largest decline of 61.1% occurred in 2018.

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

During 2017-2020, the United States and Ecuador played key roles in Colombia's milk and cream imports in value terms, jointly representing 99.7% of total flows.

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

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