Skim milk market in Croatia

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of Croatia's skim milk market contracted from 16 730 t in 2018 to 8 231 t in 2024, despite a temporary increase to 17 953 t in 2020. This overall decline coincided with evolving dynamics within the wider dairy sector.

By 2022, the market for condensed or evaporated milk in Croatia recorded growth, ending a period of decline. This shift in consumer preference toward more concentrated dairy products likely reduced demand for fresh skim milk.

Domestic milk production showed little growth through 2023, and rising export prices that year may have encouraged shipments abroad. Industry focus by 2024 extended to clean-label concentrated milk fats and functional ingredients, reflecting innovation away from basic skim milk.

Production skim milk in Croatia

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Croatia's skim milk production has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, output was valued at 3 546 thousand US dollars, showing a slight decrease of 0.8% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 22.4%, with an average annual decline of 8.1%.

Annual dynamics of production in Croatia in value, 2017-2020, K $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, t

After two years of decline, Croatia's skim milk production volume increased. In 2020, 6 109 tonnes were produced, marking a slight rise of 1.9% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, overall production decreased by 19.7%, which translates to an average annual rate of 7.0%. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 5 996 tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a drop of 17.3%.

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

Exports skim milk from Croatia

Exports in kind, t

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 1.8-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Croatia exported 4 691 tonnes of skim milk, representing a significant increase of 76.0% from 2019. The minimum value was 2 665 tonnes in 2019, and the largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 5.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia were the main buyers of skim milk from Croatia, together accounting for 81.6% of total exports in volume. The remaining exports were distributed among other countries in smaller shares.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After a two-year decrease, Croatia's skim milk exports increased. In 2020, exports stood at 1 589 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp gain of 56.1% from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 42.9%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.6%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1 018 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a drop of 6.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, and Serbia were the principal buyers of skim milk from Croatia in value terms. Bosnia and Herzegovina accounted for 65.5% of exports, North Macedonia for 13.8%, and Serbia for 13.5%, jointly making up 92.8% of total export value.

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

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

Imports skim milk to Croatia

Imports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the period. Import levels fluctuated, with a 2.9-fold difference between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, Croatia imported approximately 16 535 tonnes of skim milk, marking a rise of 94.1% compared to 2019. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 35.7%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a jump of 131.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Hungary, Slovenia, and Poland consistently led the country structure of skim milk imports to Croatia in volume terms. Hungary accounted for 40.1% of imports, Slovenia for 25.0%, and Poland for 7.6%, together representing 72.8% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values showed a peak-to-trough amplitude of 3.4 times between the low in 2017 and the high in 2020. In 2020, skim milk deliveries to Croatia stood at 5 044 thousand US dollars, indicating a dramatic uptick of 79.8% compared to the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2019 at 3.0%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 with a rise of 96.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Slovenia, Hungary, and Belgium played the leading roles in the value of skim milk imports to Croatia. Slovenia accounted for 33.9% of imports, Hungary for 26.2%, and Belgium for 8.9%, jointly taking 69.0% of total import flows.

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

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