Milk market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, milk production in the CIS increased consistently from 32 333 thousand tonnes to 36 344 thousand tonnes. The market volume grew in parallel, reaching 36 353 thousand tonnes in 2023 from 32 125 thousand tonnes in 2018.

In 2024, the dairy market continued to grow, with production estimated to increase by 4% over the previous year. Economic stabilization and rising wages supported consumer demand, while state measures like full compensation for transportation costs boosted export activity. The market also saw shifts in consumption patterns, such as a 117% surge in lactose-free dairy sales and a 5% share for plant-based milk alternatives in urban areas.

Production milk in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Milk production in the CIS has grown for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 33 936 thousand tons of milk, marking a steady increase of 3.3% compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production rose by 6.9%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 2.3%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of milk output in the CIS was 56 853 million US dollars, showing a modest decline of 2.7% from 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, production value increased by 10.9%, with an average annual rate of 3.5%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 50 880 million US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 58 412 million US dollars. The most significant year-on-year increase was in 2019, at 14.8%.

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

Exports milk from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Following two years of decline, milk exports from the CIS rebounded in 2020. Export volumes reached 445.8 thousand tons, representing a 10.8% improvement over 2019. However, from 2017 to 2020, overall exports decreased by 9.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.2%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 402.4 thousand tons, and the sharpest drop occurred in 2018, at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, China, and Georgia were the primary destinations for milk exports from the CIS in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 5.4% of exports, China for 2.8%, and Georgia for 0.6%. Together, these three countries made up 8.8% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Milk exports from the CIS in value terms have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value stood at 746.8 million US dollars, up by 4.4% compared to the previous year. Despite this recent growth, exports declined by 5.9% over the 2017-2020 period, with an average annual decrease of 2.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 656.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 17.3%. In contrast, 2019 experienced the biggest increase at 9.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, China, Ukraine, and Georgia were the top buyers of milk from the CIS in value terms. China contributed 4.1% of export value, Ukraine 3.7%, and Georgia 0.7%. Combined, these three countries represented 8.6% of total exports, indicating a diversified market with many other partners.

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

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

Imports milk to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

Milk imports into the CIS showed notable volatility during the observed period. Volumes peaked in 2017 and fell to their lowest point in 2018, with a 2.6-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to approximately 231.2 thousand tons, down by 49.7% from 2019. The minimum volume was recorded in 2018 at 209.1 thousand tons, which also saw the steepest decline of 61.2%. The largest increase occurred in 2019, at 120.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Romania, and Uruguay were key suppliers of milk to the CIS in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 3.0% of imports, Romania for 2.1%, and Uruguay for 1.6%. Together, they made up just 6.8% of total imports, with the remaining 93.2% spread across numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, the value of milk imports into the CIS was 737.1 million US dollars, reflecting a 9.1% reduction compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value decreased by 22.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.1%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 638.9 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest drop of 32.8%. The most significant increase was in 2019, at 26.9%.

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

During 2017-2020, milk imports into the CIS in value terms were sourced from a broad array of countries. Uruguay led with 3.7% of import value, followed by Ukraine at 3.3%, and New Zealand at 2.3%. Collectively, these three suppliers accounted for only 9.3% of total import flows, highlighting the diversity of the import market.

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

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