Skim milk market in Portugal

Earlier Report Observations

The implementation of new milk labeling regulations in 2018, which mandated fat content disclosure on packaging, initially influenced the Portuguese skim milk market. Enhanced quality controls under these rules in 2019 contributed to a reduction in domestic production, lowering the market volume from 128.9 thousand tons in 2018 to 111.4 thousand tons in 2019. A recovery followed in 2020, with volume rising to 121.3 thousand tons as dairy farms adopted improved feeding and genetic strategies to boost overall milk output, including skim milk.

From 2021 onward, the market entered a downward trend, with volume falling to 116.2 thousand tons in 2021 and 101.5 thousand tons in 2022. This decline was primarily driven by a shift in consumer preferences toward plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat milk, perceived as healthier low-fat options. Concurrently, skim milk imports dropped sharply while exports rose, further reducing domestic availability.

By 2023-2024, the market stabilized around 98 thousand tons, reflecting adjusted supply and sustained competition from non-dairy beverages.

Production skim milk in Portugal

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Portugal's skim milk production has increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, output was valued at 72 384 K $ US, marking a 6.1% year-over-year rise. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production grew by 2.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 59 974 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 15.2%. In contrast, the largest increase occurred in 2020, with a 13.8% jump.

Annual dynamics of production in Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Portugal's skim milk production has risen for the second year in a row. In 2021, the country produced 105.4 K t, showing a slight increase of 0.9% compared to the previous year. From 2018 to 2021, overall production decreased by 2.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.7%. The lowest output was in 2019 at 95.7 K t, which experienced the largest decline of 11.2%. The most significant increase was in 2020, with a 9.1% rise.

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

Exports skim milk from Portugal

Exports in kind, t

Market performance showed noticeable fluctuations during this period. Exports peaked in 2021 and hit their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.5-fold difference between these years. In 2021, Portugal exported 6 741 t of skim milk, representing a sharp increase of 145.2% from the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 2 750 t, which saw the largest decline of 48.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain and Angola remained the leading markets for exports in kind, together accounting for 81.2% of total flows, while other partners played a supplementary role.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their maximum in 2018 and fell to their lowest point in 2020, with a 2.7-fold gap between these years. In 2021, cross-border shipments of skim milk from Portugal totaled 3 645 K $ US, showing a steep advance of 113.9% compared to 2020. The minimum value was in 2020 at 1 704 K $ US, which experienced the largest decline of 44.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Spain, Angola, and Cabo Verde stood out as the main markets for exports in value terms. Spain accounted for 54.2% of exports, Angola for 23.9%, and Cabo Verde for 8.8%, together representing 86.9% of total flows.

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

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

Imports skim milk to Portugal

Imports in kind, t

Foreign skim milk supplies to Portugal declined for the third consecutive year. In 2021, imports amounted to 17 548 t, which is 10.8% lower compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 36.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, the market structure was highly concentrated, with Spain alone responsible for 91.8% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Skim milk import volumes in Portugal increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the import volume was recorded at 14 567 K $ US, showing a modest increase of 5.2% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, imports decreased by 3.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.2%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 13 169 K $ US, which saw the largest decline of 12.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Portugal in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain accounted for 89.0% of total imports in value terms, with the remaining flows distributed among a broad group of smaller countries.

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

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