Milk market in France

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the volume of the French milk market declined from 25 467 thousand tonnes to 24 907 thousand tonnes, while its value rose from 35 723 million US dollars to 46 387 million US dollars, reflecting a sustained increase in unit prices over the period.

In 2023, market volume fell further to 24 315 thousand tonnes and value decreased to 44 044 million US dollars. This contraction was driven by rising livestock farming costs, particularly for feed and energy, which elevated production expenses. Concurrently, organic milk collection declined for the first time due to weakened consumer demand for organic products, adding downward pressure on the overall market.

By 2024, milk production began to recover with a 1.3% increase in collection, supported by favorable climatic conditions such as abundant rainfall that improved pasture growth. Continued investment in dairy processing infrastructure and a 1.2% volume growth in the fresh dairy products segment at large retailers signaled positive momentum, despite ongoing challenges in the organic category.

Production milk in France

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

France ranked 7th globally in milk production from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

France's milk production increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 26 289 K t of milk, marking a modest 1.0% rise compared to the previous year. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 26 023 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 1.8%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, France's milk output was valued at 36 699 M $ US, representing a solid 12.6% increase from 2019. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 16.8%, averaging an annualized rate of 5.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.3%, while the biggest increase was in 2018 at 15.7%.

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

Exports milk from France

Exports in kind, K t

France's cross-border shipments of milk increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports totaled 1 381 K t, up 4.5% from the previous year. The lowest export volume was in 2018 at 1 099 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 20.0%. The most significant increase was recorded in 2019 at 20.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Italy, Belgium, and Germany were the top buyers of French milk, accounting for 23.5%, 15.8%, and 11.2% of exports in kind, respectively. Together, they made up 50.5% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

France's milk exports rose for the second consecutive year. In 2020, export value reached 1 928 M $ US, a 16.5% increase from the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 18.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.8%. The lowest value was in 2018 at 1 535 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 5.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, France traded milk with numerous countries. Even the largest destinations—China, Italy, and Belgium—collectively represented only 36.1% of total exports in value terms.

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

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

Imports milk to France

Imports in kind, K t

France's milk imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 404 K t, down 14.6% from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 23.7%, averaging an annualized decline of 8.6%. The highest import volume was in 2018 at 543 K t, which also recorded the largest increase of 2.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands were the leading suppliers of milk to France, with shares of 36.1%, 19.2%, and 17.0% of imports in kind, respectively. Their combined share reached 72.3% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

France's milk imports fell for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 795 M $ US, a limited decline of 7.7% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 12.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -4.3%. The highest value was in 2018 at 907 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 0.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands stood out as the main sources for France's milk imports in value terms, accounting for 33.4%, 18.0%, and 16.2%, respectively. Together, they represented 67.6% of total import flows.

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

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