Milk and cream market in the United States

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the U.S. market for not concentrated, not sweetened milk and cream expanded steadily in both volume and value. Market volume increased from 115.0 million tons to 120.2 million tons, while the market's value rose from 107.4 billion US dollars to 131.3 billion US dollars. The most pronounced growth in physical volume occurred in 2020, setting the stage for continued expansion in the following years.

A key driver of market growth in 2021 was the ongoing structural consolidation within the U.S. dairy sector, where a shift toward larger and fewer farming operations helped stabilize and increase milk supply. This was supported by the federal Dairy Margin Coverage program, which provided financial compensation to producers during periods of low milk prices, encouraging sustained output. By 2023, the market's volume growth had stabilized as the sector navigated price volatility and a clear consumer shift toward natural, less-processed products, which moderated the pace of expansion.

Leading into 2024, significant activity and innovation were concentrated in the plant-based milk alternative segment, with major companies like Ben & Jerry's and Califia launching new products such as oat-based ice cream and nutrient-fortified children's drinks. The entry of new players and expanded supermarket offerings for these alternatives continued to shape the broader dairy landscape, reflecting evolving consumer preferences for health-conscious and sustainable options, though no major regulatory changes directly impacted the traditional milk and cream market.

Production milk and cream in the United States

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

From 2017 to 2020, the United States held the second position globally in milk and cream production.

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 States grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, output reached 118.9 million tonnes, marking a 3.0% increase from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production rose by 4.3%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 1.4%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

The value of milk and cream production in the United States increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, it was valued at 112.9 billion US dollars, up by 4.4% compared to 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall production value fell by 7.2%, averaging an annual decline of 2.5%. The lowest point was in 2018 at 107.5 billion US dollars, with the sharpest drop of 11.7% occurring that same year.

Annual dynamics of production in the United States in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports milk and cream from the United States

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of growth, US milk and cream exports declined. In 2020, shipments totaled 128.9 thousand tonnes, a slight decrease of 1.4% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 21.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.8%. The peak was in 2019 at 130.8 thousand tonnes, when exports surged by 13.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the primary destinations for US milk and cream exports by volume were Asia, not elsewhere specified (34.5%), Mexico (29.7%), and Canada (24.4%). Together, these three markets accounted for 88.6% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, US milk and cream exports were valued at 122.4 million US dollars, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, export value grew by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 107.6 million US dollars, with a decline of 4.6% that year. The highest value was in 2019 at 122.4 million US dollars, when exports jumped by 13.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the main destinations for US milk and cream exports by value were Asia, not elsewhere specified (33.4%), Canada (24.2%), and Mexico (22.4%). This group represented 80.0% of total export value.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to the United States

Imports in kind, K t

After two years of increases, US milk and cream imports dropped. In 2020, imports amounted to 29.5 thousand tonnes, down by 1.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports rose by 78.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 21.2%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 29.8 thousand tonnes, when imports grew by 46.0%.

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

Throughout 2017-2020, the key sources for US milk and cream imports by volume were Mexico (38.3%), Canada (34.9%), and France (9.0%). These three partners together made up 82.2% of total import volumes.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

US milk and cream imports increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 70.2 million US dollars, a significant rise of 59.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value surged by 142.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 34.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the largest sources of US milk and cream imports by value were Mexico (40.1%), Canada (26.6%), and New Zealand (7.9%). Combined, these three accounted for 74.6% of total import value.

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

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