Milk market in Mexico

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, Mexico's milk market volume expanded from 12 797 to 13 381 thousand tons. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 heightened consumer focus on health, boosting demand for nutritious dairy products and contributing to market growth. During this period, front-of-pack warning labeling regulations under NOM-051 began shaping product transparency and consumer choices.

Market growth continued, reaching 14 098 thousand tons by 2023. A significant rise in imports of skim milk powder in 2021 helped meet domestic demand, while national production maintained an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. Evolving consumer preferences toward lactose-free, skimmed, and plant-based milk varieties further influenced market dynamics, alongside persistent challenges from inflation and higher production costs.

The regulatory landscape remained active, with the dairy industry preparing for the third phase of the front-of-pack labeling standard (NOM-051) scheduled for 2025, which raised concerns about potential consumption impacts. Ongoing updates to official Mexican norms, driven by trade agreement revisions, also underscored the focus on market transparency and quality standards.

Production milk in Mexico

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico ranked as the 13th largest milk producer in the world.

Top producers of milk, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk, 2018-2021

Mexico's milk production grew for the third consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 13 411 thousand tonnes of milk, marking a slight increase of 2.3% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production rose by 7%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 2.3%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

In 2021, Mexico's milk output was valued at 33 232 million US dollars, showing a significant increase of 22.5% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 37.5%, with an annualized rate of 11.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2020, at 9.9%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 24.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports milk from Mexico

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, Mexico exported 32.6 thousand tonnes of milk, experiencing a sharp year-on-year drop of 28.6%. Between 2018 and 2021, exports fell by 62.9%, equating to an annualized decline of 28.2%. The lowest volume was in 2019, at 30.6 thousand tonnes, with the largest decrease that year at 65.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2020, at 49.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, two markets—the United States and Venezuela—dominated Mexico's milk exports in volume, together accounting for 89.7% of total flows, while the remainder was distributed among other destinations.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2021, Mexico's milk exports in value terms amounted to 80.9 million US dollars, reflecting a reduction of 14.6% compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports decreased by 52.3%, with an annualized rate of decline of 21.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019, at 71.8 million US dollars, when the largest decline of 57.7% occurred. The largest increase was in 2020, at 31.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the United States, with 53.6% of total flows, and Venezuela, with 34.3%, together made up 87.8% of Mexico's milk exports in value terms, while other partners accounted for the rest.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Mexico in value, 2018-2021

Imports milk to Mexico

Imports in kind, K t

Mexico's milk imports declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, imports totaled 183.4 thousand tonnes, down 42.3% from 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports fell by 47.7%, with an annualized decrease of 19.4%. The highest volume was in 2019, at 352.2 thousand tonnes, when the largest increase of 0.5% was recorded.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Mexico's milk import base in volume was highly concentrated, with the United States alone responsible for 98.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

Mexico's milk imports in value terms dropped for the second consecutive year. In 2021, imports reached 499.4 million US dollars, a steep decline of 38.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports decreased by 28.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -10.7%. The peak value was in 2019, at 806.5 million US dollars, when the largest increase of 14.9% occurred.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

From 2018 to 2021, nearly all of Mexico's milk imports in value terms were linked to the United States, which held a 98.6% share of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Mexico in value, 2018-2021