Milk market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The North American milk market volume increased from 108.2 million tons in 2018 to 112.5 million tons in 2021. This growth was supported by population growth, urbanization, and rising disposable income, which elevated milk consumption. Consumer awareness of health benefits and a preference for organic and specialized dairy products further stimulated demand. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused supply chain disruptions and demand fluctuations, but the market continued to expand as milk remained a staple food item.

Market volume stabilized at around 112.5-112.6 million tons between 2022 and 2023. Technological improvements in dairy farming, such as genetic enhancements and increased milk production per cow, supported steady production levels. Federal policy developments, including hearings on milk marketing orders in the U.S., helped shape market conditions.

Consumer preferences evolved toward plant-based milk alternatives due to health and environmental concerns, leading to regulatory changes in labeling for clarity. The demand for transparency and sustainability in dairy production grew, influencing market practices throughout the period.

Production milk in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, M t

Top producers of milk, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk, 2017-2020

Milk production in Northern America has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region produced 111.0 million tonnes of milk, marking a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production grew by 3.7%, which translates to an average annual increase of 1.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, M t

In value, 2017-2020, B $ US

In 2020, the value of milk output in Northern America was 181.6 billion US dollars, representing an 11.3% decline from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 173.2 billion US dollars, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 204.7 billion US dollars. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a jump of 18.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in value, 2017-2020, B $ US

Exports milk from Northern America

Exports in kind, t

After two years of decline, milk shipments from Northern America to abroad have increased. In 2020, the region exported 74 693 tonnes of milk, showing a 20.6% rise compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 10.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of -3.7%. The lowest export volume was in 2019 at 61 918 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 19.1%.

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

Data from 2017 to 2020 shows that milk exports from Northern America were not heavily concentrated on a few key destinations. Algeria accounted for 16.9% of exports, Egypt for 13.9%, and the Philippines for 6.1%, with these three countries together making up only 36.9% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year decrease, milk exports from Northern America have increased. In 2020, the export value reached 122.3 million US dollars, reflecting a modest uptick of 4.8% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports fell by 15%, equating to an average annual decline of 5.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 116.7 million US dollars, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a 14.8% decrease.

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

Data for 2017–2020 indicates that milk exports in value terms from Northern America were not concentrated on a few key destinations. Algeria represented 18.2% of exports, Egypt 15.8%, and the Philippines 6.6%, with these three countries jointly accounting for only 40.7% of total flows.

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

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

Imports milk to Northern America

Imports in kind, t

Milk imports into Northern America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 51 478 tonnes, indicating a controlled rise of 5.1% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 38.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -15.0%. The lowest import volume was in 2018 at 34 132 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 59.2%. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a surge of 43.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark and Germany were the leading sources for milk imports into Northern America, with Denmark accounting for 6.2% of total flows and Germany for 5.2%.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Northern America's milk imports have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 56.5 million US dollars, up by 9.1% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 10.1%, equating to an average annual increase of 3.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 44.5 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 13.3%. The most significant increase was in 2019, with a rise of 16.4%.

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

During 2017–2020, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand were important suppliers of milk to Northern America, with Denmark accounting for 11.7% of imports in value terms, the Netherlands for 1.4%, and New Zealand for 0.8%. However, their combined share reached only 13.8% of total imports, with the remaining 86.2% distributed among many other partners.

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

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