Milk powder market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Dutch milk powder market volume shifted considerably, starting at 186.2 thousand tons. The market was influenced by stable local production and increased output from Belgian dairy firms, a key regional player. In 2019, volume fell to 132.7 thousand tons. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused global dairy supply chain and distribution disruptions, which contributed to a recovery in domestic market volume to 158.2 thousand tons as export flows moderated.

The period from 2021 to 2023 was characterized by pronounced price movements. Market volume dropped to 99.8 thousand tons in 2021. A rise in prices for whole and skimmed milk powder by 5 to 8 euros per 100 kg in 2²022 reflected growing demand and market optimism, helping to push the market volume up to 130.6 thousand tons. By 2023, a sharp price decline of 33% for skim milk powder and 39% for whey powder tempered further growth, with the market volume reaching 136.4 thousand tons.

For 2024 and 2025, data indicates a gradual contraction in both imports and exports. Concurrently, price reports noted a stabilization phase for milk powder values after the preceding slump, with prices for whole milk powder falling a further 2.3%, suggesting the market was seeking a new equilibrium.

Production milk powder in the Netherlands

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, the Netherlands ranked 10th globally in milk powder production.

Top producers of milk powder, 2018-2021

World map of production of milk powder, 2018-2021

After two years of growth, milk powder production in the Netherlands declined. In 2021, the country produced 190 K t of milk powder, which represents a 21.6% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production fell by 14%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2020 at 242 K t, while the largest annual increase occurred in 2019 at 8.2%.

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

Exports milk powder from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, K t

In 2021, the Netherlands exported 322.5 K t of milk powder, marking a 6.1% increase from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports grew by 25.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 7.9%. The largest annual decline was recorded in 2020 at 5.6%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 25.5%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands maintained a diverse export partner landscape for milk powder in volume terms. Germany accounted for 9.4% of exports, Belgium for 8.7%, and Nigeria for 5.5%. Together, these three countries represented only 23.7% of total export flows, with the remaining 76.3% distributed among numerous other trading partners.

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

The Netherlands experienced its third consecutive year of growth in milk powder export value. In 2021, exports reached 1 136 M $ US, reflecting a controlled increase of 6.3% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, export value grew by 12.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.0%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, the geographical distribution of milk powder export value was highly diversified. Germany accounted for 7.6% of export value, China for 7.5%, and Belgium for 7.1%. Combined, these three markets represented just 22.3% of total export flows, while the remaining 77.7% was spread across numerous smaller partner countries.

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 powder to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, K t

The Netherlands recorded its second consecutive year of growth in milk powder import volume. In 2021, imports reached 232.7 K t, representing a 5.6% increase compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, import volume grew by 4.6%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.5%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 216.3 K t, which also saw the largest annual decline of 2.8%.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Germany, Ireland, and France were the primary sources of milk powder imports to the Netherlands in volume terms. Germany accounted for 29.1% of imports, Ireland for 17.0%, and France for 15.4%. Together, these three countries represented 61.5% of total import flows.

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

The Netherlands experienced its third consecutive year of growth in milk powder import value. In 2021, imports reached 1 136 M $ US, marking a substantial increase of 20.1% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, import value grew by 41.8%, with a compound annual growth rate of 12.3%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, three main markets — Germany, Ireland, and France — together accounted for 62.0% of the total value of milk powder imports to the Netherlands.

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

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