Milk market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch milk market volume expanded from 14.3 million tonnes to nearly 15.0 million tonnes. This growth was supported by ongoing consolidation and intensification of dairy farms, which raised production efficiency despite a declining number of holdings. Milk prices stabilized after earlier declines, partly influenced by global commodity and oil prices, while consumer preferences began shifting toward healthier and fresh products.

From 2021 to 2023, market volume showed slight fluctuations, with a minor dip in 2021 followed by a peak in 2022 at over 15.3 million tonnes driven by record milk prices and continued output growth. Farm scale expansion and technological upgrades remained key drivers. By 2023, the rising popularity of plant-based milk, particularly oat milk, reflected changing consumer habits and environmental awareness, contributing to a modest adjustment in cow's milk market volume.

Production milk in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands maintained the 11th position globally in terms of milk production volume.

Top producers of milk, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk, 2018-2021

Milk production in the Netherlands declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the country produced 14 608 K t of milk, reflecting a slight year-over-year decrease of 2.2%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 14 944 K t, which also saw the largest annual increase of 3.6%.

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

Exports milk from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 1 324 K t of milk, marking a 10.4% increase compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports decreased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -2.9%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 200 K t, while the peak occurred in 2019 at 1 492 K t. The most significant decline was observed in 2020, with a drop of 19.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Belgium, Germany, and France were the leading destinations for the Netherlands' milk exports in kind. Belgium accounted for 40.1% of exports, Germany for 15.6%, and France for 4.3%, collectively representing 59.9% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Following a two-year contraction, the value of the Netherlands' milk exports increased in 2021, reaching 2 351 M US dollars, a 6.3% rise compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value decreased by 4.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 2 211 M US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 6.1%.

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

The structure of milk exports in value terms from 2018 to 2021 shows a diversified set of trading partners. Belgium accounted for 21.2% of export value, Germany for 15.2%, and China for 5.4%, together representing 41.9% of total flows. The remaining 58.1% was distributed among numerous smaller markets.

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

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

Imports milk to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands imported 1 419 K t of milk, a solid 16.6% increase over the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports grew by 11.5%, with an annualized rate of 3.7%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 1 217 K t, which also experienced the largest decline of 8.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany and Belgium consistently dominated the Netherlands' milk imports in kind, accounting for 83.4% of total imports. This indicates a high degree of market concentration, with the remainder spread across a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, the Netherlands imported milk worth 1 451 M US dollars, showing a 20.0% advance relative to the prior year. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value increased by 17.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 5.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 1 209 M US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 2.1%.

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

Throughout 2018-2021, Germany, Belgium, and France formed the core group of markets for the Netherlands' milk imports in value terms. Germany accounted for 42.7% of import value, Belgium for 28.7%, and France for 7.9%, together representing 79.2% of total import flows.

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

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