Fermented milk products trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in fermented milk products was worth $2.35 billion in 2024, about 1.34 million tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017, and down 3% on 2023.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
World trade by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $2.35B | 1.34M t |
| 2023 | $2.42B | 1.38M t |
| 2022 | $2.42B | 1.43M t |
| 2021 | $2.17B | 1.39M t |
| 2020 | $1.99B | 1.32M t |
| 2019 | $1.98B | 1.33M t |
| 2018 | $2.07B | 1.41M t |
| 2017 | $1.90B | 1.36M t |
Top fermented milk products exporting countries
Germany is the largest exporter with 14% of world exports, followed by France and Belgium. The top three supply 35% between them, out of 129 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $332.9M | 14% |
| France | $303.6M | 13% |
| Belgium | $189.3M | 8% |
| Spain | $168.3M | 7.2% |
| Poland | $144.7M | 6.1% |
| New Zealand | $123.1M | 5.2% |
| Austria | $101.9M | 4.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $83.3M | 3.5% |
| Netherlands | $80.4M | 3.4% |
| United States | $71.6M | 3% |
| Ireland | $59.2M | 2.5% |
| Russia | $53.3M | 2.3% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Italy is the biggest buyer with 9% of world imports, ahead of the Philippines and the Netherlands. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 23% across 216 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $212.1M | 9% |
| Philippines | $169.6M | 7.2% |
| Netherlands | $160.4M | 6.8% |
| United Kingdom | $155.6M | 6.6% |
| Germany | $121.5M | 5.2% |
| France | $95.7M | 4.1% |
| Spain | $88.5M | 3.8% |
| Belgium | $79.1M | 3.4% |
| Portugal | $66.5M | 2.8% |
| Kuwait | $59.0M | 2.5% |
| Poland | $57.5M | 2.4% |
| Romania | $46.0M | 2% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $2.94 per kg and Belgium $1.55 per kg, so grade and origin matter.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments worldwide. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Related product types
Who is behind these numbers in this market?
Public statistics stop at country totals and the last published year. EximDataX shows the shipment records underneath: the companies, dates, quantities and declared values, updated weekly.
Shipment records are in the platform
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Source: CEPII BACI (reconciled UN Comtrade data), HS 2017 edition, release 202601, Etalab Open Licence 2.0. Annual values in US dollars at the customs border; quantities in tonnes where reported. HS 0403.90: Dairy produce: buttermilk, curdled milk or cream, kephir, fermented or acidified milk or cream, whether or not concentrated or containing added sweetening, flavouring, fruit or cocoa (excluding yoghurt). HS 0403 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most fermented milk products?
Germany exported $332.9 million in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by France (13%) and Belgium (8%). In all, 129 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most fermented milk products?
Italy imported $212.1 million in 2024, 9% of world imports, ahead of the Philippines (7%) and the Netherlands (7%). The top three importers together take 23%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in fermented milk products?
It was worth $2.35 billion in 2024, about 1.34 million tonnes. That is an increase of 24% since 2017. The peak year was 2023 at $2.42 billion. 129 countries reported exports and 216 reported imports.
What is the average price of fermented milk products per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.75 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $2.94 per kg and Belgium $1.55 per kg, so grade and origin matter. It is total declared value divided by total weight, so treat it as a benchmark, not a quote.
What is the HS code for fermented milk products?
The HS code for fermented milk products is subheading 0403.90, in chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). Customs uses this code worldwide at the six-digit level; national tariffs add more digits. The full list of codes is on the HS 0403 page.
How can I find fermented milk products buyers and suppliers?
Public statistics stop at country totals. EximDataX shows the importers and exporters behind this trade from shipment-level customs records, updated weekly, with direct customs feeds and mirror data. Tell us your product and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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