Milk market in Burundi

Earlier Report Observations

The Burundi milk market volume surged to 194 thousand tons in 2019, a substantial increase from 122 thousand tons the previous year. This growth was propelled by the launch of the National Development Plan 2018-2027, which prioritized modernizing agriculture and livestock, along with a new law mandating permanent stabling of animals to improve dairy herd management.

After peaking, the market contracted to 108 thousand tons in 2020. By 2022, a sharp rise in food prices, influenced by broader inflation and raw material cost fluctuations, dampened local consumption, pulling market volume down to 91 thousand tons. The market recovered to 98 thousand tons in 2023, supported by the introduction of electronic invoicing for greater transparency and continued government efforts to stabilize consumer prices.

In 2024, the sector was bolstered by direct government funding for an animal production intensification program, including provision of concentrated feed ingredients for dairy cattle. Private investment also increased, notably from LIFEWAY Company and its SEASKY DAIRY operation, which expanded milk processing and commercial activities within the country.

Production milk in Burundi

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

In 2019, Burundi's milk production reached its highest level at 194.1 thousand tons. However, by 2020, production had fallen to 107.5 thousand tons, representing a significant year-over-year decline of 44.6%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, milk production decreased by 25.6%, which translates to an average annual reduction of 9.4%. The most substantial increase occurred in 2019, when production surged by 59.5%.

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

Exports milk from Burundi

Exports in kind, t

The export market for milk from Burundi showed considerable volatility during this period. In 2017, exports hit their lowest point, before climbing to a peak of 94.8 tons in 2018—a dramatic 208-fold increase. By 2020, cross-border shipments had dropped to 33.0 tons, marking a 61.0% decrease from the previous year. The largest year-over-year increase was recorded in 2018, at an extraordinary 20,738.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Tanzania was the dominant destination for Burundi's milk exports in volume terms, accounting for 75.6% of total flows. The remaining exports were distributed among various other trading partners.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of milk exports from Burundi experienced notable fluctuations during these years. In 2017, export values were at their minimum, before rising to a peak of 57.3 thousand US dollars in 2018—a 119-fold increase. By 2020, export values had declined to 24.0 thousand US dollars, representing a 56.9% drop from the previous year. The largest year-over-year increase occurred in 2018, at 11,794.6%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, Tanzania held the leading position in the value of Burundi's milk exports, accounting for 71.6% of total flows. The remaining export value was shared among several smaller destinations.

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

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

Imports milk to Burundi

Imports in kind, t

Burundi's milk imports displayed an unstable trend from 2017 to 2020. In 2018, imports reached their lowest point at 173.3 tons, before increasing to a peak of 372.2 tons in 2019—a 2.1-fold variation. By 2020, imports had decreased to 253.1 tons, down 32.0% from 2019. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 50.4%, while the most significant increase was in 2019, at 114.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uganda was the largest source of Burundi's milk imports by volume, contributing 38.8% of total imports. The United Arab Emirates followed with 14.6%, and the Netherlands accounted for 8.5%. Together, these three countries represented 62.0% of all import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of milk imports into Burundi showed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. In 2018, import values hit their lowest point at 241.3 thousand US dollars, after reaching a peak of 410.3 thousand US dollars in 2017—a 3.8-fold fluctuation. By 2020, import values had dropped to 410.3 thousand US dollars, down 48.1% year-over-year. The largest decline was in 2018, at 73.6%, while the most substantial increase occurred in 2019, at 227.9%.

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

In the 2017–2020 period, Uganda led Burundi's milk imports by value, accounting for 27.7% of total flows. Eswatini followed with 23.5%, and the United Arab Emirates contributed 12.3%. Collectively, these three countries represented 63.6% of all import value.

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

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