Milk and cream market in Kazakhstan

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the milk and cream market in Kazakhstan expanded from 3 334 thousand tonnes to 4 360 thousand tonnes, showing steady growth. This was driven by an annual increase in domestic milk production of 2-3% and the emergence of new segments such as lactose-free products, stimulated by shifting consumer preferences toward healthier eating.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 affected supply chains, but the market adapted through a rise in online sales and state support measures for agriculture, allowing continued expansion. In subsequent years, the entry of new players with investments in processing capacities, including the launch of large facilities, enhanced the industry's production capabilities and supported market growth.

By 2023, production of liquid milk and cream increased by 3.7% year-on-year, supported by tighter quality requirements for raw materials and products, as well as active marketing strategies emphasizing the freshness of local produce. Government support for domestic producers and the growing share of online sales further reinforced market expansion.

Production milk and cream in Kazakhstan

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 Kazakhstan has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 3 890 K t of milk and cream, showing a modest 6.8% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production grew by 20.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Milk and cream production in Kazakhstan has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 906 M $ US, marking a robust 21.7% rise from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production increased by 20.1%, with an annualized rate of 6.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 1 446 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 8.9%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Kazakhstan

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year rise, foreign milk and cream supplies from Kazakhstan declined. In 2020, exports amounted to 37 662 t, a decrease of 3.1% from 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports increased by 96%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 38 854 t, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 42.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, exports of milk and cream from Kazakhstan were almost entirely concentrated in Russia, which accounted for 92.1% of the total.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Milk and cream deliveries from Kazakhstan have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Kazakhstan exported 18 455 K $ US of milk and cream, indicating a strong 10.5% rise compared to 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, exports grew by 95.7%, with a CAGR of 25.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Russia remained the main outlet for milk and cream from Kazakhstan, taking 87.0% of total exports in value terms, while the remaining volume was distributed among other countries.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Kazakhstan

Imports in kind, t

Foreign milk and cream supplies to Kazakhstan have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Kazakhstan imported 28 107 t of milk and cream, which is 28.6% higher than in 2019. Over the period 2017-2020, imports decreased by 19.1%, with a CAGR of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 21 256 t, which also saw the largest decline of 38.9%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Kyrgyzstan (43.2% of imports in kind), Russia (34.2% of imports in kind), and Belarus (15.2% of imports in kind) played the leading roles in imports of milk and cream to Kazakhstan, jointly accounting for 92.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Milk and cream volumes imported by Kazakhstan have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 27 518 K $ US, indicating a rise of 57.4% versus 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 17 289 K $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 37.4%.

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

In 2017–2020, Russia (41.3% of imports in value terms), Kyrgyzstan (23.9% of imports in value terms), and France (16.3% of imports in value terms) were the largest suppliers of milk and cream to Kazakhstan, together forming 81.5% of total imports in value terms.

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

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