Milk market in Djibouti

Earlier Report Observations

The milk market volume in Djibouti grew from 23 157 t in 2018 to a peak of 25 155 t in 2020, supported by rising imports which increased from 8 114 t to over 10 000 t during this period. This expansion occurred despite an import tax hike to 30% and the reported market dominance of local processor Douda Tazwid Industries, which held a monopoly on dairy production and distribution under a state consumption obligation.

From 2021, the market contracted sharply, falling to 21 321 t by 2023. This decline was driven by higher input costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the global pandemic, followed by a severe drought that reduced local cattle output, periodic shortages of fresh product imports from Ethiopia, and high food price inflation exacerbated by the war in Ukraine. Export bans by key supplier countries further constrained availability.

Throughout the period, the market structure remained shaped by Douda's monopoly, which influenced supply channels. However, the overall market volume proved highly sensitive to external shocks, with import flows and global commodity prices being the primary determinants of total consumption.

Production milk in Djibouti

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Djibouti's milk production increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 15 128 tonnes of milk, showing no significant change from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in Djibouti in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports milk from Djibouti

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during these years. Exports reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with an 8 452-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Djibouti's milk exports were recorded at 85 tonnes, representing a sharp year-over-year increase of 845 050.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia and Gambia remained the dominant destinations for Djibouti's milk exports in kind, jointly accounting for 99.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Exports hit their minimum in 2019 and their maximum in 2020, with a 55 406-fold variation between these years. In 2020, Djibouti exported 54 thousand US dollars worth of milk, amounting to a steep year-over-year gain of 5 540 501.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Ethiopia and Gambia were the principal destinations for milk exports in value terms, with their joint share reaching 99.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milk to Djibouti

Imports in kind, t

Djibouti's volume of milk imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country imported approximately 10 111 tonnes of milk, up by 3.4% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 31.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 12.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 8 114 tonnes, with the largest decline of 45.3% occurring that year. The largest increase of 20.5% was recorded in 2019.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for milk imports in kind were Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, together accounting for 65.2% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Djibouti's volume of milk imports increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 23 917 thousand US dollars, reflecting a small gain of 1.5% compared to 2019. Over the period 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 3.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.3%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 22 221 thousand US dollars, with the largest decline of 10.6% occurring that year. The largest increase of 6.1% was recorded in 2019.

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

Over 2017 to 2020, Oman (28.0% of imports in value terms), Saudi Arabia (19.2% of imports in value terms), and the United Arab Emirates (18.9% of imports in value terms) made the biggest contribution to imports in value terms, jointly accounting for 66.0% of total flows.

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

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