Milk market in MENA

Earlier Report Observations

The milk market volume in the MENA region grew from 29 858 thousand tonnes in 2018 to a peak of 32 842 thousand tonnes in 2021, driven by global factors such as population growth, urbanization, and rising disposable incomes which increased dairy consumption. This upward trend was supported by growing health awareness and greater availability of dairy products in emerging markets.

After a contraction to 31 649 thousand tonnes in 2022, the market recovered to 32 141 thousand tonnes in 2023. The recovery aligned with a global moderate rebound in milk production, where increased per capita consumption and improved availability of dairy products helped lift demand. Lower feed costs also contributed to more stable production economics during this period.

Production milk in MENA

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Milk production in the MENA region increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, production reached 30 529 K t, marking a 6.7% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 5.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 28 112 K t, which also saw the largest decline of 3.0%.

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

Exports milk from MENA

Exports in kind, K t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 at 430 K t, with the largest decline of 30.7% recorded that year. Volumes peaked in 2017, showing a 2.1-fold difference between the highest and lowest points. In 2020, cross-border shipments of milk from MENA totaled 856 K t, representing a significant increase of 99.2% compared to the previous year.

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

From 2017 to 2020, milk exports from MENA were not heavily concentrated. Somalia accounted for 4.0% of exports in kind, Afghanistan for 2.9%, and Mauritania for 1.8%. Together, these three countries captured only 8.7% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, foreign milk supplies from MENA amounted to 1 879 M $ US, showing a modest rise of 5.2% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 1 938 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 14.7%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 7.8%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 11.2%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 3.6%.

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

The market base for exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 was wide. Somalia accounted for 7.1% of exports in value terms, Afghanistan for 3.0%, and Pakistan for 1.5%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for just 11.6% of total flows, with the remaining 88.4% shared by numerous other countries.

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

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

Imports milk to MENA

Imports in kind, K t

Milk imports into MENA declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports stood at 2 054 K t, constituting a reduction of 2.9% relative to the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 2 366 K t, which also saw the largest increase of 7.8%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 10.6%. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 6.4%, equating to an annualized decline rate of 2.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Germany were the largest but not dominant suppliers of milk to MENA. New Zealand accounted for 14.2% of imports in kind, the Netherlands for 9.6%, and Germany for 5.6%. Together, these three countries accounted for 29.3% of total imports in kind, against a broad background of smaller partners.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, the volume of milk imports into MENA increased. In 2020, imports came to 5 493 M $ US, reflecting a robust increase of 13.9% year-over-year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 4 823 M $ US, which also saw the largest decline of 8.8%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, imports in value terms were distributed across a wide set of partner countries. New Zealand accounted for 19.9% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 11.2%, and Germany for 5.3%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for just 36.3% of total flows.

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

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