Milk powder market in Switzerland

Earlier Report Observations

The Swiss milk powder market between 2018 and 2024 was characterized by fluctuations in both production and domestic consumption, influenced by a regulated market structure and shifts in international trade. Initial stability in production around 45 000 t and a domestic market volume near 34 900 t was supported by a segmented pricing system (segments A, B, and C) designed to absorb surpluses, with major processors like Emmi, Cremo, and Hochdorf playing key roles. A significant 15% surge in market volume to 39 413 t in 2020 coincided with a sharp rise in imports to 2 349 t, suggesting increased availability despite only a modest production increase.

Market dynamics shifted from 2021 onwards. Production fell for two consecutive years, reaching 43 373 t in 2022, yet the domestic market volume grew again to 39 089 t that year. This was enabled by substantial existing stocks, which were reported at 11 372 t at the end of 2022, and continued market regulation using specific funds for butter and milk powder as key instruments. The subsequent partial production recovery in 2023 to 45 044 t occurred alongside a contracting domestic market, which fell to 37 352 t.

By 2024, a defining trend was the sustained rise in imports, which grew to nearly 5 000 t, creating competitive pressure on domestic milk powder. This increase was driven by cheaper raw materials available through inward processing and affected segments like the food industry, particularly chocolate exports facing high cocoa prices. Regulatory measures, including a 21 million franc support package for chocolate exporters until mid-2026, were implemented to alleviate market pressure, while key players continued to manage surpluses within the segmented market framework.

Production milk powder in Switzerland

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Switzerland was among the world's leading producers of milk powder from 2017 to 2020, ranking 25th globally by production volume during this period.

Top producers of milk powder, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk powder, 2017-2020

In 2020, Switzerland produced 46 328 tons of milk powder, showing a slight increase of 2.7% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 3.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.2%. The largest decline occurred in 2019, when production fell by 0.8%.

Annual dynamics of production in Switzerland in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports milk powder from Switzerland

Exports in kind, t

After two years of growth, Switzerland's milk powder exports declined in 2020. The country exported 9 264 tons that year, representing a substantial year-on-year decrease of 25.0%. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports increased by 12.4%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 12 354 tons, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a 42.2% rise.

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

From 2017 to 2020, China, Russia, and North Korea were Switzerland's key export partners for milk powder by volume. China accounted for 38.4% of exports, Russia for 20.4%, and North Korea for 11.5%. Together, these three countries represented 70.3% of Switzerland's total milk powder exports during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, Switzerland's milk powder exports reached 28 202 thousand US dollars, marking a 12.7% decrease compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, export value increased by 8.1%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 2.6%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 25 797 thousand US dollars, while the highest occurred in 2019 at 32 305 thousand US dollars. The largest increase took place in 2019 with a 25.2% rise.

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

During the 2017-2020 period, three principal markets—China, Russia, and North Korea—together accounted for 69.7% of the total value of Switzerland's milk powder exports.

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

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

Imports milk powder to Switzerland

Imports in kind, t

Switzerland's milk powder imports increased for the second consecutive year in 2020. The country imported 2 349 tons that year, reflecting a significant 66.4% increase compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 86.4%, equivalent to an average annual growth rate of 23.1%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2018 at 1 203 tons, while the largest decline occurred that same year with a 4.5% decrease.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany and France clearly dominated Switzerland's milk powder imports by volume, jointly accounting for 86.3% of total imports. Other countries held much smaller shares during this period.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The market showed signs of volatility during the observed period. Import values reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Switzerland's milk powder imports totaled 9 186 thousand US dollars, representing a dramatic 71.8% increase compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 5 096 thousand US dollars, while the largest decline occurred that same year with an 11.7% decrease.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Germany and France clearly dominated Switzerland's import partner structure by value, while other countries together formed the remaining share.

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

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