Milk and cream market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, production of not concentrated, not sweetened milk and cream in Northern America increased from 127.9 million tons to 133.1 million tons, while the market size grew from 128.0 million tons to 133.2 million tons. In value terms, the market experienced a temporary dip in 2019 to $94.1 billion before recovering to $103.3 billion in 2021.

The growth trend continued through 2022-2023, with production reaching 133.6 million tons and market value climbing to $122.7 billion. During this period, supermarkets and hypermarkets remained the dominant distribution channel, reflecting stable retail access for dairy products. The market also saw increased activity in dairy alternatives, with new product launches like Danone Canada's Nextmilk and regulatory approvals for animal-free dairy proteins, signaling competitive shifts and innovation in the broader milk category.

Consumer trends showed a gradual shift toward plant-based alternatives, yet traditional milk and cream maintained steady volume growth, supported by ongoing production stability and strong retail presence.

Production milk and cream in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Milk and cream production in Northern America has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 132.1 million tons, marking a 2.9% increase compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 4.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

In 2020, the value of milk and cream output in Northern America reached 101.6 billion US dollars, up 7.9% year-on-year. From 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 8.1%, averaging 2.6% growth per year. The most significant drop occurred in 2019, when it fell by 3.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports milk and cream from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

The market showed an unstable pattern during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 9 302 tons, then peaked in 2020 at 34 030 tons—a 3.7-fold difference. In 2020, exports surged by 152.6% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018, with a drop of 12.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the top buyers of milk and cream from Northern America were China (10.3% of exports in volume), Hong Kong (1.3%), and Egypt (1.2%). Together, these three destinations accounted for 12.8% of total exports by volume.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Export values hit their lowest point in 2018 at 7 090 thousand US dollars, then climbed to a high of 26 163 thousand US dollars in 2020—a 3.7-fold variation. In 2020, exports increased by 165.1% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 9.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the leading destinations for milk and cream exports from Northern America in value terms were China (6.6% of export value), Hong Kong (0.9%), and Egypt (0.9%). Collectively, these three markets made up 8.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Milk and cream imports into Northern America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 48 705 tons, up 4.9% from 2019. However, over the full period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 32.8%, with an average annual decline of 12.4%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2018 at 29 160 tons, which saw the largest drop of 59.8%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase, with imports rising by 59.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main sources for milk and cream imports into Northern America were Denmark (6.9% of import volume), Germany (6.0%), and the Netherlands (0.5%). These three countries together accounted for 13.4% of total imports by volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Foreign supplies of milk and cream to Northern America have grown for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports totaled 29 075 thousand US dollars, showing a strong increase of 14.6% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, import value rose by 22.9%, equivalent to an average annual rate of 7.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 29 075 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest decline of 15.0%. The most significant increase occurred in 2019, with a jump of 26.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the primary sources for milk and cream imports into Northern America in value terms were Denmark (15.1% of import value), the Netherlands (1.9%), and Germany (0.8%). Combined, these three destinations represented 17.8% of total import flows.

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

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