Milk market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the volume of the Croatian milk market increased, supported by the mandatory introduction of the National School Scheme for fruit, vegetables, and milk, which boosted demand through guaranteed deliveries to educational institutions. This growth was interrupted in 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains, raised logistics costs, and led to a short-term reduction in production, causing a market contraction.

The market stabilized in 2021 as mandatory electronic data reporting improved transparency for planning state support measures. A significant expansion followed in 2022, driven by a state aid program for livestock that provided financial support tied to multi-year milk purchase commitments and by updated EU-aligned rules on import and labeling, which facilitated greater milk imports.

Stricter hygiene and labeling requirements under the new Food Law, alongside growing competition from plant-based milk alternatives, contributed to a market decline in 2023 and 2024. Simultaneously, persistently high costs for feed and energy increased production expenses, prompting further government subsidy reviews and support mechanisms.

Production milk in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Milk production in Croatia declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, output was valued at 207.4 million US dollars, marking a 2.6% decrease compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 218.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.0%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

In 2020, Croatia produced 260.4 thousand tons of milk, showing a slight decrease of 2.1% from 2019. The peak production was in 2019 at 266.0 thousand tons, which also experienced the largest annual growth of 1.6%.

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

Exports milk from Croatia

Exports in kind, K t

In 2020, Croatia's cross-border shipments of milk reached 30.3 thousand tons, representing a notable gain of 22.0% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 34.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.5%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, at 3.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Italy were the main destinations for Croatia's milk exports in kind. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 34.2% of exports, Serbia for 23.7%, and Italy for 14.7%, together absorbing 72.5% of total exports.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Croatia's milk exports stood at 17.8 million US dollars, corresponding to an advance of 13.9% from a year earlier. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 36.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 10.9%. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 6.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 28.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Slovenia were the primary destinations for Croatia's milk exports in value terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 29.1% of exports, Serbia for 21.0%, and Slovenia for 14.0%, together making up 64.2% of total exports.

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

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

Imports milk to Croatia

Imports in kind, K t

Croatia's milk import volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 213.9 thousand tons, reflecting a moderate decline of 5.7% year-over-year. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 227.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 6.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia were the principal sources for Croatia's milk imports in kind. Slovenia accounted for 37.9% of imports, Hungary for 28.3%, and Slovakia for 12.3%, jointly representing 78.6% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year advance, Croatia's milk import volume declined. In 2020, import value amounted to 108.6 million US dollars, reflecting a modest decline of 8.6% versus the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The peak value was in 2019 at 118.8 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 3.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Slovakia were the main sources for Croatia's milk imports in value terms. Slovenia accounted for 31.8% of imports, Hungary for 23.2%, and Slovakia for 9.8%, together comprising 64.8% of total import flows.

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

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