Milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% market in Bolivia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the Bolivian market for milk powder with ≤1.5% fat content experienced notable fluctuations. The market volume reached 3 153 t in 2019 before declining to 2 583 t in 2021, then recovering to 2 794 t by 2023. Domestic production showed a gradual increase from 1 910 t to 2 015 t over the period, while imports varied significantly, dropping to 721 t in 2021 before rising again.

Starting in 2022, several developments shaped the market. Record exports of Bolivian milk powder, particularly to Colombia, highlighted the industry's outward orientation. The state-owned PIL Andina, controlling 80% of the national dairy market, faced domestic saturation and sought new export destinations. Simultaneously, the Pro-Leche fund continued supporting around 18 000 producers, promoting food security and internal consumption. Campaigns by Pro-Bolivia aimed to raise per capita consumption, which remained low at 68 liters annually compared to WHO recommendations.

Structural challenges persisted, including smuggling of cheaper powder, high raw milk prices due to production costs and state subsidies, and a heavy reliance on the Colombian market. Labeling requirements under Bolivian standard NB-314001 ensured product quality, while global factors like low international prices affected local commercialization. By 2024, dairy exports were recovering, with projections of $35 million for the year, underscoring the sector's export-driven dynamics.

Production milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% in Bolivia

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5%, 2017-2020

World map of production of milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5%, 2017-2020

In Bolivia, production of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% reached 1 958 tonnes in 2020, showing a moderate increase of 4.0% compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 2.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.0%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 883 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 1.4% during this timeframe.

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

Exports milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% from Bolivia

Exports in kind, t

In 2018, Bolivia exported 92 tonnes of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5%, representing a significant decrease of 92.2% from 2017.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Colombia and Peru were the dominant destinations for Bolivia's exports of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5%, together accounting for 100.0% of total export volumes.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2018, the value of milk powder exports with a fat content of ≤1.5% from Bolivia was 160 thousand US dollars, marking a dramatic decline of 93.7% compared to the previous year.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Colombia and Peru continued to be the two key markets for Bolivia's exports in value terms, jointly representing 100.0% of total export earnings.

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

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

Imports milk powder with fat content of ≤1.5% to Bolivia

Imports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Imports reached their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 1.9-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Bolivia imported a total of value_last_year tonnes of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5%, equivalent to a drop of 7.5% year-over-year. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 1 270 tonnes, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 79.0%.

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

Throughout the period from 2017 to 2020, Uruguay dominated Bolivia's import structure for milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5%, accounting for 74.7% of total import volumes, while other sources contributed relatively small shares.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Bolivia's imports of milk powder with a fat content of ≤1.5% increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 4 111 thousand US dollars, reflecting a strong year-over-year growth of 28.4%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports surged by 141.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 34.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Uruguay remained the primary market for Bolivia's imports in value terms, holding a share of 78.6% of total import spending, while the remainder was distributed across numerous other destinations.

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

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