Whey market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2021, the whey market volume in Northern America contracted from 513 thousand tons to 471 thousand tons. Early in the period, regulatory barriers and certification requirements acted as constraints on growth, even as imports rose. Broader trends like increasing health awareness began to shape demand but were insufficient to reverse the gradual decline.

A sharp reversal occurred in 2022, with market volume surging by 45% to 681 thousand tons, followed by a further rise to 740 thousand tons in 2023. This expansion was propelled by heightened demand for whey protein as a dietary supplement, driven by the pervasive fitness culture and growing consumer focus on managing lifestyle-related health concerns.

Market activity remained robust into 2024, characterized by significant initiatives from leading companies. Arla Foods launched a campaign to encourage high-protein product development, Lactalis invested in a solar thermal plant to make whey production more sustainable, and MuscleBlaze introduced personalized whey protein products, reflecting ongoing innovation aligned with consumer preferences for specialized nutrition.

Production whey in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of whey, 2017-2020

World map of production of whey, 2017-2020

Whey production in Northern America has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 538 thousand tons of whey, which represents a 3.1% decrease compared to 2019. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 6.4%, averaging an annual decline of 2.2%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of whey production in Northern America stood at 472.1 million US dollars, marking a 13.5% drop from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 21.4%, with an average annual decline of 7.7%. The most significant decrease occurred in 2018, at 16.8%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, at 9.2%.

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

Exports whey from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

Whey exports from Northern America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 54.7 thousand tons, showing a solid growth of 17.1% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 17.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.6%. The largest decline was in 2018, at 0.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, whey exports from Northern America were distributed across a diverse range of partner countries. South Korea accounted for 9.2% of exports in kind, the Philippines for 5.8%, and Malaysia for 5.0%. Together, these three countries represented just 20.0% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The value of whey exports from Northern America has increased for the second year in a row. In 2020, exports amounted to 47 931 thousand US dollars, reflecting a moderate gain of 4.5% year-over-year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018, at 41 568 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 14.2%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 10.3%.

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

The partner structure for whey exports in value terms remained fragmented from 2017 to 2020. South Korea held a 9.1% share, the Philippines 6.2%, and Malaysia 5.3%. Combined, these three countries accounted for only 20.7% of total flows, with no single country achieving a dominant position.

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

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

Imports whey to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

The market for whey imports into Northern America showed significant volatility during these years. The highest volume was recorded in 2017, while the lowest was in 2018, with a peak-to-trough ratio of 141 times. In 2020, imports stood at 4.0 thousand tons, a decrease of 6.9% compared to 2019. The minimum value was in 2018, at 1.5 thousand tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018, at 99.3%, and the largest increase was in 2019, at 192.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Australia was the leading supplier of whey to Northern America, accounting for 6.6% of total imports in kind.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Whey imports into Northern America have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports reached 41 114 thousand US dollars, showing a small rise of 2.0% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports decreased by 38.8%, with a compound annual decline of 15.1%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018, at 37 093 thousand US dollars. The largest decline was in 2018, at 44.8%, while the largest increase was in 2019, at 8.6%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Australia, New Zealand, and Denmark formed the key group of partners for whey imports in value terms to Northern America. Australia accounted for 3.6% of imports, New Zealand for 1.8%, and Denmark for 0.7%. Together, they represented 6.2% of total import flows.

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

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