Whey market in CIS

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2019, whey production in the CIS rose from 170 thousand tons to 187 thousand tons, supported by the commissioning of new ultrafiltration capacity and increased demand for whey protein in animal feed. The market volume expanded to 159 thousand tons as domestic protein output jumped by 38% and imports fell. In 2020, however, the market volume contracted sharply to 123 thousand tons despite continued growth in protein production. This drop was primarily due to a spike in exports, which reached 104 thousand tons, fueled by global demand for functional additives during the COVID‑19 pandemic, while imports shrank further under sanctions and import substitution policies.

From 2021 onward, state‑led import substitution measures provided a direct boost to local manufacturing. The inclusion of milk protein concentrates in the official import substitution plan and the launch of a new plant by Molvest Group in 2022 helped lift production to 201 thousand tons that year. Market volume recovered to 142 thousand tons, aided by lower exports and steady domestic demand. By 2023, production had climbed to 230 thousand tons, and the market volume reached 145 thousand tons, driven by ongoing investment in modernisation, rising exports of protein concentrates, and growing consumer interest in whey‑based sports and infant nutrition.

Production whey in CIS

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of whey, 2017-2020

World map of production of whey, 2017-2020

In 2020, CIS countries produced 185 K t of whey, marking a 1.2% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 4.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.6%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 170 K t, while the highest was in 2019 at 187 K t. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 3.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 10.1% rise.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of whey production in CIS countries reached 168.2 M $ US, representing a 5.2% decrease from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value declined by 19.5%, which translates to an average annual decrease of 7.0%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 144.7 M $ US. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 with a 30.7% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 22.6% rise.

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

Exports whey from CIS

Exports in kind, K t

Whey exports from CIS countries have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 103.6 K t, showing a significant year-over-year growth of 23.2%. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 87.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 23.2%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, CIS countries exported whey to numerous destinations. Even the largest markets—China, the Philippines, and Lithuania—together accounted for only 30.7% of total exports in volume terms.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

Cross-border shipments of whey from CIS countries have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 94 170 K $ US, reflecting an 18.2% year-over-year increase. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports grew by 43.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 56 161 K $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2018 with a 14.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 41.9% rise.

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

The structure of whey exports in value terms from CIS countries between 2017 and 2020 was highly diversified. China (29.6% of export value), the Philippines (2.1%), and Ukraine (1.5%) together accounted for just 33.2% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports whey to CIS

Imports in kind, K t

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. The period saw a trough in 2017 and a peak in 2019, showing a 2.8-fold fluctuation. In 2020, CIS countries imported 55.6 K t of whey, representing a 25.4% reduction compared to the previous year. The highest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 55.6 K t. The largest increase occurred in 2018 with an 80.9% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, whey imports to CIS countries in volume terms were not heavily concentrated. Argentina (6.3% of imports), Turkey (2.1%), and Uruguay (1.7%) together captured only 10.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the value of whey imports to CIS countries registered 47 281 K $ US, which is 29.0% lower than the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 38.9%, with an average annual decline of 15.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 43 925 K $ US. The most substantial decline occurred in 2018 with a 43.2% drop, while the largest increase was in 2019 with a 51.6% rise.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the partner portfolio for whey imports to CIS countries in value terms was quite broad. Argentina (15.4% of import value), Uruguay (2.4%), and Turkey (2.0%) together represented only 19.8% of total flows.

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

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