Milk market in ASEAN

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the ASEAN milk market volume rose from 6.95 million metric tons to 7.40 million metric tons. This expansion was primarily driven by population growth, urbanization, and higher disposable incomes across the region, which increased consumer demand. At the same time, dairy farms adopted automation technologies to scale production efficiently, further supporting market growth.

The market experienced a slight dip to 7.25 million metric tons in 2021, as COVID-19 pandemic disruptions affected supply chains and stricter labeling and traceability regulations were implemented. Policy shifts favoring local production aimed to reduce import dependency. By 2022, volume recovered to 7.42 million metric tons, bolstered by significant investments in dairy processing infrastructure and revised market-access rules that facilitated intra-regional trade. In 2023, the market stabilized at 7.41 million metric tons, while consumer preference for sustainable dairy products and the entry of new players in plant-based alternatives continued to shape the industry landscape.

Production milk in ASEAN

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Milk production in ASEAN increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 6 188 K t of milk were produced, marking a 2.3% rise from the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 5 897 K t, which saw the largest decline of 6.6%. The following year, 2019, experienced the largest increase of 2.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

After a two-year decline, ASEAN's milk production rebounded in value terms. In 2020, milk output was valued at 22 054 M $ US, up by 13.6% compared to the prior year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 19 414 M $ US, following the largest decline of 9.9% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in ASEAN in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports milk from ASEAN

Exports in kind, K t

ASEAN's milk export volume grew for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 381 K t, showing a sharp increase of 46.6% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports rose by 15.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.8%. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 233 K t, which saw the largest decline of 29.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, ASEAN's milk exports were distributed across numerous countries. Even the top destinations—Japan, Iraq, and Mexico—together accounted for only 19.6% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, milk exports from ASEAN reached 672 M $ US, representing a substantial gain of 19.8% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 13%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 561 M $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 7.1%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, ASEAN's milk exports in value terms were spread across a wide range of partner countries. Japan (14.9% of exports), Iraq (7.0%), and Sudan (3.7%) together accounted for just 25.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports milk to ASEAN

Imports in kind, K t

Milk imports into ASEAN increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 1 591 K t, up by 14.8% from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, imports grew by 26.9%, equating to an annualized rate of 8.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand (30.0% of imports in volume), the United States (16.7%), and Australia (14.0%) were the main sources for milk imports into ASEAN, together representing 60.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

ASEAN's milk imports in value terms rose for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 3 436 M $ US, showing a solid advance of 14.3% from the year before. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 23.6%, with an annualized rate of 7.3%.

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

During 2017-2020, New Zealand (38.8% of imports in value), the United States (17.8%), and Australia (10.0%) remained the primary suppliers of milk to ASEAN, jointly forming 66.6% of total import value.

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

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