Milk and cream market in Zambia

Earlier Report Observations

The market for milk and cream in Zambia expanded significantly from 2018 to 2023, with total volume rising from 465 thousand tons to 580 thousand tons. This growth was driven primarily by domestic production, which increased by over 117 thousand tons during the same period.

After a slight contraction in 2020, the market regained momentum and saw its strongest annual increase in 2022, adding 47 thousand tons. The consistent upward trend reflects a steady expansion of local milk output, while trade flows remained minimal relative to market size.

By 2023, market volume reached 580 thousand tons, marking an overall growth of 25% over the six-year span. The period was characterized by robust production growth, with no major trade disruptions affecting availability.

Production milk and cream in Zambia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk and cream, 2017-2020

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

Zambia's milk and cream production volume declined after two consecutive years of growth. In 2020, the country produced 466.8 thousand tons, marking a slight decrease of 2.2% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 9.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 3.0%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 477.2 thousand tons, while the most significant annual increase occurred in 2018 at 8.6%.

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

Exports milk and cream from Zambia

Exports in kind, t

The export market showed considerable volatility throughout the period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2020, with an eightfold difference between these years. In 2020, Zambia exported 30 tons of milk and cream, representing a dramatic 236.1% increase compared to 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 50.4%, while the most substantial increase was recorded in 2018 at 382.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Zambia's milk and cream exports were overwhelmingly concentrated in two markets: the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi. Together, these two countries accounted for 99.9% of all export flows during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Export values showed significant fluctuations during the analyzed period. The lowest value was recorded in 2020, while the highest occurred in 2018, with a 6.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Zambia's milk and cream exports totaled 30 thousand US dollars, representing a sharp 74.1% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak export value was reached in 2018 at 180 thousand US dollars, which also marked the largest annual increase at 314.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Zambia's milk and cream export revenue was heavily concentrated in just two markets. The Democratic Republic of the Congo and Malawi together accounted for 99.8% of all export value during this period.

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

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

Imports milk and cream to Zambia

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes displayed considerable instability throughout the timeframe. The lowest import level was recorded in 2018, while the highest occurred in 2020, with a 3.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Zambia imported 287 tons of milk and cream, representing a substantial 125.2% increase compared to the previous year. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 at 50.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, South Africa dominated Zambia's milk and cream imports, accounting for 96.2% of all import volumes during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited irregular patterns, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2017, while the highest occurred in 2019, with a 3.1-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Zambia imported 914 thousand US dollars worth of milk and cream, representing a significant 24.9% decrease compared to the previous year. The peak import value was reached in 2019 at 1 217 thousand US dollars, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2018 at 112.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, South Africa was overwhelmingly the main source of Zambia's milk and cream imports in value terms, accounting for 92.2% of all import flows during this period.

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

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