Fresh milk trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in fresh milk was worth $12.55 billion in 2024, about 13.37 million tonnes. That is an increase of 29% since 2017, and up 6% 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 | $12.55B | 13.37M t |
| 2023 | $11.81B | 12.59M t |
| 2022 | $12.16B | 12.57M t |
| 2021 | $10.76B | 12.91M t |
| 2020 | $9.10B | 12.80M t |
| 2019 | $9.57B | 12.90M t |
| 2018 | $10.01B | 13.11M t |
| 2017 | $9.73B | 13.36M t |
Top fresh milk exporting countries
Germany is the largest exporter with 13% of world exports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. The top three supply 34% between them, out of 157 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $1.66B | 13% |
| Netherlands | $1.52B | 12% |
| Belgium | $1.03B | 8.2% |
| France | $1.03B | 8.2% |
| New Zealand | $983.8M | 7.8% |
| Poland | $712.9M | 5.7% |
| Czech Republic | $559.7M | 4.5% |
| United Kingdom | $540.2M | 4.3% |
| Austria | $449.7M | 3.6% |
| Spain | $324.9M | 2.6% |
| Hungary | $290.3M | 2.3% |
| Saudi Arabia | $264.8M | 2.1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
The largest importers are Germany (17%), China (11%) and Belgium (9%). 223 countries imported it, and the top three take 38% of the value.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | $2.19B | 17% |
| China | $1.42B | 11% |
| Belgium | $1.17B | 9.4% |
| Netherlands | $903.2M | 7.2% |
| Italy | $789.4M | 6.3% |
| France | $595.2M | 4.7% |
| Ireland | $435.6M | 3.5% |
| Poland | $319.7M | 2.6% |
| Lithuania | $260.0M | 2.1% |
| United Kingdom | $215.8M | 1.7% |
| South Korea | $186.1M | 1.5% |
| Romania | $183.9M | 1.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $0.94 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $2.21 per kg and the Czech Republic $0.56 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.
Product types under HS 0401
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
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
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 0401: Milk and cream; not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter. HS 0401 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most fresh milk?
Germany exported $1.66 billion in 2024, 13% of the world total, followed by the Netherlands (12%) and Belgium (8%). In all, 157 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most fresh milk?
Germany imported $2.19 billion in 2024, 17% of world imports, ahead of China (11%) and Belgium (9%). The top three importers together take 38%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in fresh milk?
It was worth $12.55 billion in 2024, about 13.37 million tonnes. That is an increase of 29% since 2017. 2024 was the highest year since 2017. 157 countries reported exports and 223 reported imports.
What is the average price of fresh milk per kg?
The world average declared value was about $0.94 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $2.21 per kg and the Czech Republic $0.56 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 fresh milk?
The HS code for fresh milk is heading 0401, 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 0401 page.
How can I find fresh milk 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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