Skim milk market in Sweden

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2022, the Swedish skim milk market volume contracted from 144 thousand tons to 116 thousand tons. This decline was primarily driven by a continued reduction in the number of dairy producers and milk cows, which limited domestic production capacity. Simultaneously, increasing consumer demand for plant-based milk alternatives, particularly among younger demographics, diverted consumption away from traditional skim milk.

The market showed signs of stabilization in 2023, with volume edging up to 117 thousand tons. During this period, major dairy cooperatives like Arla maintained stable milk prices for farmers, providing some production stability. Concurrently, companies such as Skånemejerier launched innovative product lines like yogurt smoothies to adapt to health and sustainability trends. Regulatory developments, including the 2022 introduction of stricter rules for unpasteurized milk sales, required registration and volume limits, while ongoing discussions on the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduced new compliance considerations for the industry.

In 2024, market volume fell further to 110 thousand tons. The downward trend persisted as consumer preferences continued to shift toward healthier and more sustainable options, including plant-based alternatives. High market concentration among a few large players limited new entry. Discussions on the PPWR, which began in 2021, advanced further, shaping industry focus on packaging reusability and digital traceability.

Production skim milk in Sweden

In value, 2017-2020, K $ US

Sweden's skim milk production value increased after two years of contraction. In 2020, output was valued at 74 966 thousand US dollars, showing a slight increase of 1.6% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 14.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 73 775 thousand US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 11.6%.

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

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Sweden's skim milk production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, 131.5 thousand tonnes were produced, which is 5.4% lower than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production decreased by 7.7%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.6%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 147.0 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 3.3%. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 5.4%.

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

Exports skim milk from Sweden

Exports in kind, t

Sweden's skim milk exports declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Sweden exported 36 tonnes, marking a sharp decrease of 95.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 99.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 81.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Finland, Denmark, and Germany formed the core group of markets for skim milk exports in kind. Finland accounted for 39.2% of exports, Denmark for 28.3%, and Germany for 21.6%, together representing 89.2% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Sweden's skim milk export value declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 76 thousand US dollars, reflecting a sharp contraction of 81.2% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 96.3%, equating to an annualized rate of 66.6%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, Denmark and Finland consistently accounted for 80.5% of total skim milk exports in value terms, indicating a high degree of market concentration alongside a long tail of smaller markets.

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

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

Imports skim milk to Sweden

Imports in kind, t

Sweden's skim milk imports in kind showed noticeable fluctuations during the period. The lowest volume was recorded in 2019 at 187 tonnes, while the highest stood at 1 344 tonnes in 2020, representing a peak-to-trough ratio of 7.2 times. In 2020, imports totaled 1 344 tonnes, indicating a dramatic uptick of 618.5% versus the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 51.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for skim milk imports in kind were Finland, Germany, and Denmark, which together accounted for 94.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Sweden's skim milk import value revealed irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 165 thousand US dollars, while the highest was in 2020 at 589 thousand US dollars, with a variation of 3.6 times between these years. In 2020, imports totaled 589 thousand US dollars, reflecting an abrupt gain of 257.8% versus the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 54.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Denmark, and Finland remained the principal suppliers of skim milk to Sweden in value terms. Germany accounted for 43.4% of imports, Denmark for 24.2%, and Finland for 13.8%, jointly accounting for 81.4% of total imports.

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

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