Milk and cream market in the United Arab Emirates

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2023, the UAE's milk and cream market in volume terms fluctuated, starting at 318.1 thousand tons, dipping to 303.5 thousand tons in 2019, then recovering to a peak of 374.9 thousand tons in 2023. This final year saw a notable 15% annual increase. In value terms, the market followed a different path, declining from $427.4 million in 2018 to $351.0 million in 2021 before rebounding strongly to $463.1 million by 2023.

By 2024, the market landscape was being shaped by significant consumer and industry trends. Growing health awareness fueled demand for non-concentrated, unsweetened dairy products with clean labels and no additives. The popularity of plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, and oat milk increased, reflecting adapted global trends. New product launches, including non-dairy and sugar-free options, catered to lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers. Concurrently, regulatory developments promoted ingredient transparency and traceability, while shifts in distribution channels, such as expanded supermarket and e-commerce sales, improved product accessibility.

Production milk and cream in the United Arab Emirates

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 the United Arab Emirates rebounded in 2020 after a two-year decline. Output reached 270 623 tonnes, marking a significant 11.6% increase from the previous year. This followed the lowest production level in 2019, which stood at 242 438 tonnes. The most substantial drop occurred in 2018, with a 7.5% decrease.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The value of milk and cream production in the United Arab Emirates fell for the third year in a row in 2020. Output was valued at 312.4 million US dollars, reflecting a modest 5.6% decline from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production value decreased by 27.7%, with an average annual decline of 10.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports milk and cream from the United Arab Emirates

Exports in kind, K t

Milk and cream exports from the United Arab Emirates grew for the third consecutive year in 2020. Shipments totaled 57.3 thousand tonnes, an 8.8% increase from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports rose by 46.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Oman, Yemen, and Iraq were the primary markets for the United Arab Emirates' milk and cream exports by volume. Oman accounted for 44.8% of exports, Yemen for 12.0%, and Iraq for 10.0%, together representing 66.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

The value of milk and cream exports from the United Arab Emirates declined for the second straight year in 2020. Exports totaled 66.2 million US dollars, down 7.9% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value increased by 4.4%, with an average annual growth of 1.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 74.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Oman, Iraq, and Yemen formed the core group of markets for the United Arab Emirates' milk and cream exports by value. Oman contributed 22.4% of export value, Iraq 17.6%, and Yemen 13.8%, together accounting for 53.8% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020

Imports milk and cream to the United Arab Emirates

Imports in kind, K t

Milk and cream imports into the United Arab Emirates saw a slight increase in 2020, reaching 114.9 thousand tonnes, up 1.0% from 2019. The lowest import volume was in 2019 at 113.8 thousand tonnes, while the highest was in 2018 at 121.4 thousand tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 6.3% drop, and the largest increase was in 2018 with a 5.5% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and New Zealand were the main suppliers of milk and cream to the United Arab Emirates by volume. Saudi Arabia provided 63.4% of imports, Germany 7.3%, and New Zealand 6.4%, together comprising 77.0% of total import volume.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Milk and cream imports into the United Arab Emirates fell for the third consecutive year in 2020. Imports amounted to 116.6 million US dollars, showing a sharp 10.5% contraction from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 20.9%, with an average annual decline of 7.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, and France were the leading sources of milk and cream imports into the United Arab Emirates by value. Saudi Arabia accounted for 50.9% of import value, New Zealand for 11.1%, and France for 8.8%, together representing 70.8% of total import flows.

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

World map of product's imports to the United Arab Emirates in value, 2017-2020