Milk and cream market in Myanmar

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the milk and cream market in Myanmar expanded, with production increasing from 3 163 thousand tons to 3 267 thousand tons. This growth was supported by a significant surge in export activity, as the value of milk and cream exports rose by over 1000%, signaling new market opportunities and likely investments in production capacity. The market then contracted sharply in 2020 to 2 523 thousand tons, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted supply chains and reduced demand, reflected in a steep drop in export prices.

A gradual recovery began in 2021, supported by a rebound in export prices to $1.94 per kg, which helped production and market volume grow steadily through 2023, reaching 2 665 thousand tons. Stable export prices around $1.90-$1.95 per kg in 2023 provided a predictable environment for producers, aiding continued market expansion.

By 2024, broader economic factors influenced the dairy sector. High inflation pressured household incomes, affecting consumption of dairy products. Consumer preferences also shifted towards healthier, low-sugar beverage options, impacting demand for traditional milk and cream. The powdered milk market in Myanmar experienced a severe contraction, reflecting challenges across related dairy segments.

Production milk and cream in Myanmar

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Myanmar produced 2 520 thousand tonnes of milk and cream in 2020, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 22.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 32%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.1%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 3.3%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Myanmar

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Milk and cream exports from Myanmar reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 12.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, exports totalled 20 tonnes, representing an 82.6% decrease compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, India was by far the main destination for Myanmar's milk and cream exports in kind, accounting for 93.5% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values dropped to their minimum in 2017 and climbed to their maximum in 2019, a 19-fold shift. In 2020, foreign milk and cream supplies from Myanmar amounted to 10 thousand US dollars, reflecting a steep 83.0% decrease compared to 2019.

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

During 2017–2020, the partner base for exports in value terms was extremely narrow, with India alone responsible for 95.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Myanmar

Imports in kind, t

Myanmar's milk and cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Myanmar imported 3 033 tonnes of milk and cream, equivalent to a gradual year-over-year drop of 8.9%. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports increased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.2%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 3 425 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 27.6%.

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

Throughout 2017–2020, Germany (27.6% of imports in kind), Thailand (18.0% of imports in kind), and Ireland (14.4% of imports in kind) were the key directions for imports in kind, together accounting for 60.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The volume of milk and cream imports to Myanmar declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totalled 2 984 thousand US dollars, corresponding to a significant year-over-year fall of 12.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 46.5%, equating to an annualized rate of -18.8%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 6 631 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 18.9%, while the largest decline occurred in 2019 at 48.6%.

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

In 2017–2020, three principal markets — Ireland, Germany, and Thailand — together accounted for 65.1% of total imports in value terms of milk and cream to Myanmar.

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

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