Milk and cream market in Côte d'Ivoire, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the market volume for milk and cream in Côte d'Ivoire expanded steadily, supported by rising urban consumption that increased demand for both imported and locally produced dairy products. During this period, local production covered only 17-19% of national consumption, with imports playing a crucial role in meeting the growing need.

The growth accelerated in 2021, coinciding with strengthened partnerships between the government and private sector to develop the local dairy chain through training and skill transfers. The following year, new regulations limited market access for milk imported from Europe by reducing the shelf life for UHT milk to three months, and price ceilings were set for unsweetened condensed milk to protect consumer purchasing power, measures aimed at supporting local producers.

By 2023, market growth moderated to a modest 1.1%, reaching 41 260 t, as the import restrictions likely took full effect, reducing import volumes while local production continued to increase.

Production milk and cream in Côte d'Ivoire

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Milk and cream production in Côte d'Ivoire has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 34 668 tonnes of milk and cream, marking a modest gain of 1.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 5.1%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In 2020, the output of milk and cream in Côte d'Ivoire was valued at 31 234 thousand US dollars, representing a 2.4% increase from the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 30 508 thousand US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2018 at 38 589 thousand US dollars. The most significant decline was observed in 2019, dropping by 20.9%, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018, rising by 24.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Exports milk and cream from Côte d'Ivoire

Exports in kind, t

Milk and cream exports from Côte d'Ivoire have grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country exported 1 326 tonnes of milk and cream, which is 4.6% more than in the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, exports surged by 56.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 16.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, Mali was the primary destination for exports in kind, accounting for 87.6% of total flows. Other markets formed a long tail of smaller partners with relatively minor shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Côte d'Ivoire's milk and cream exports reached a value of 1 195 thousand US dollars, showing a 5.3% increase from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 49.6%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.4%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 273 thousand US dollars. The most substantial decline occurred in 2019, falling by 10.9%, while the largest increase was in 2018, jumping by 59.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Mali consistently accounted for 82.6% of total exports in value terms, indicating a high concentration on this market. The remaining share was distributed among other countries.

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

World map of product's exports from Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020

Imports milk and cream to Côte d'Ivoire

Imports in kind, t

Milk and cream imports into Côte d'Ivoire have risen for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 2 911 tonnes, reflecting a significant improvement of 22.6% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 19.5%, with a CAGR of 6.1%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 982 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred that same year, dropping by 18.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020, t

Throughout 2017 to 2020, France was the main supplier of milk and cream to Côte d'Ivoire, capturing 70.8% of total imports in kind. Other partners held relatively modest shares in the market.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, K $ US

Milk and cream imports into Côte d'Ivoire have increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 3 661 thousand US dollars, which is 19.2% higher than in 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 30.4%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 648 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year, falling by 5.7%.

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

In the 2017-2020 period, the geographical pattern of imports in value terms was characterized by a strong dominance of France, whose share reached 79.4% of total flows. Other partners held relatively minor shares in comparison.

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

World map of product's imports to Côte d'Ivoire in value, 2017-2020