Skim milk market in Spain

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Spanish skim milk market expanded consistently, with volume growing from 778 thousand tons to 848 thousand tons. Production increased over the same period, while imports declined. The market value also rose from $496 million to $528 million.

A sharp contraction followed, with market volume dropping to 596 thousand tons in 2023. This decline was driven by cost‑production‑price tensions and uncertainty affecting supply and demand, coupled with a shift in consumer spending toward private‑label products and plant‑based alternatives, which reduced demand for conventional skim milk.

Recovery began in 2024, with market volume reaching 652 thousand tons. The rebound was supported by a gradual decrease in milk prices, which encouraged domestic production, and by growing consumer demand for lactose‑free and low‑fat milk due to heightened awareness of digestive health. New labeling rules introduced in June 2024 also led to adjustments in how consumption was measured.

Production skim milk in Spain

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In Spain, the value of skim milk production reached 531.3 million US dollars in 2020, marking a 9.2% increase from the previous year. Production hit its lowest point in 2019 at 486.5 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 2.5% occurring that year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, overall production grew by 8.2%, translating to an average annual growth rate of 2.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Skim milk production in Spain rose for the second year in a row. In 2020, output reached 848.8 thousand tonnes, showing a modest 5.3% increase compared to 2019. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 772.9 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 0.6%. From 2017 to 2020, production expanded by 9.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 3.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Spain in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports skim milk from Spain

Exports in kind, t

Skim milk exports from Spain fell for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 11,965 tonnes, down 10.4% year-on-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports dropped by 38.7%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Portugal, Italy, and China were the primary destinations for Spain's skim milk exports in volume terms. Portugal accounted for 44.8% of exports, Italy for 11.2%, and China for 8.3%, together making up 64.3% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of decline, the value of skim milk exports from Spain rebounded in 2020. Exports amounted to 11.863 million US dollars, up 8.4% from 2019. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 10.946 million US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 25.2%. Over the 2017-2020 span, export value decreased by 21.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.7%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Portugal, Italy, and France were the top markets for Spain's skim milk exports in value terms, collectively absorbing 61.3% of total export value.

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

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

Imports skim milk to Spain

Imports in kind, t

Spain's skim milk imports declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports stood at 11,317 tonnes, reflecting a sharp 17.0% drop from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, import volumes fell by 60.5%, with an annualized decrease of 26.6%.

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

During 2017-2020, France and Portugal were the main suppliers of skim milk to Spain in volume terms, together holding an 86.3% share of total imports. The remaining imports were spread across various other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

The value of skim milk imports into Spain decreased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 8.352 million US dollars, down 3.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, import value fell by 43.4%, with a compound annual decline of 17.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, France, Portugal, and the United Kingdom remained the leading suppliers of skim milk to Spain in value terms. France contributed 46.6% of imports, Portugal 21.4%, and the United Kingdom 9.9%, collectively accounting for 77.9% of total import value.

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

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