Milk and cream market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2021, the Russian milk and cream market experienced moderate growth, rising from 5 752 thousand tons to 5 999 thousand tons. The introduction of a food embargo and the formation of a food security system in 2018 stimulated domestic raw milk production and prompted active launch of new products. A dip in milk production in 2019 led to a slight market contraction to 5 696 thousand tons. However, in 2020, the commissioning of new production capacities and continued import substitution policy drove a sharp increase in milk output, lifting the market volume to 5 954 thousand tons. In 2021, state support through compensations and subsidies helped boost dairy product manufacture, pushing the market to 5 999 thousand tons.

Between 2022 and 2024, the market expanded further, reaching 6 538 thousand tons. In 2022, additional food embargoes and enhanced food security measures amid sanctions accelerated growth in domestic milk and cream production. Changes in transport cost compensations for exporters, rising from 25% to 100% starting January 2024, encouraged exports. Coupled with growing demand for lactose-free and natural dairy products, this increased the market volume to 6 179 thousand tons. In 2023, while raw milk and various dairy product outputs continued to rise, increased exports of cheeses and fermented milk items stabilized the market at 6 178 thousand tons. In 2024, higher milk yield per cow and the expansion of online sales supported a significant market surge to 6 538 thousand tons.

For 2025, available production data indicates stability at 6 388 thousand tons, similar to the 2024 level.

Production milk and cream in Russia

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Globally, Russia ranked as the 26th largest producer of milk and cream from 2018 to 2021.

Top producers of milk and cream, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk and cream, 2018-2021

Russia's milk and cream production increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 5 834 K t, up slightly by 1.8% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 5.6%, averaging an annual increase of 1.8%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 5 450 K t, which saw the largest decline of 1.3%. In contrast, 2020 recorded the biggest rise at 5.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

Exports milk and cream from Russia

Exports in kind, K t

Russia's milk and cream exports rose for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports reached 46.7 K t, a strong increase of 24.3% from the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, exports grew by 39.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 11.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 27.5 K t, which experienced the largest drop of 18.1%. The highest increase occurred in 2020 at 36.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus were the top buyers of Russian milk and cream in terms of volume. Ukraine accounted for 57.7% of exports, Kazakhstan for 19.6%, and Belarus for 7.5%, together making up 84.9% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Milk and cream exports from Russia increased for the third year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 37.3 M $ US, a steep rise of 28.1% compared to the prior year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 53.2%, averaging an annual increase of 15.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Belarus led as the largest buyers of Russian milk and cream by value. Ukraine made up 35.7% of exports, Kazakhstan 26.7%, and Belarus 18.4%, with their combined share reaching 80.8% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Russia in value, 2018-2021

Imports milk and cream to Russia

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, Russia's milk and cream imports amounted to 213.7 K t, down 19.0% from the previous year. Over the 2018–2021 period, imports decreased by 18%, averaging an annual decline of 6.4%. The highest import volume was in 2020 at 264.0 K t, which saw the largest increase of 2.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus was the main source of milk and cream imports to Russia, accounting for 84.2% of total imports by volume, while other countries contributed smaller shares.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Russia's milk and cream imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports were recorded at 182.9 M $ US, a reduction of 7.6% from the prior year. The highest import value was in 2019 at 221.7 M $ US, which saw the largest increase of 20.9%. The largest decline occurred in 2020 at 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Belarus remained the leading supplier of milk and cream to Russia by value, with 87.2% of total imports, while the remainder was distributed among various other countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Russia in value, 2018-2021