Milk fat trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in milk fat was worth $2.76 billion in 2024, about 401.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 16% since 2017, and up 5% 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 | $2.76B | 401.2K t |
| 2023 | $2.63B | 426.0K t |
| 2022 | $3.04B | 436.0K t |
| 2021 | $2.27B | 402.3K t |
| 2020 | $2.03B | 403.4K t |
| 2019 | $2.47B | 426.8K t |
| 2018 | $2.77B | 434.2K t |
| 2017 | $2.39B | 391.7K t |
Top milk fat exporting countries
New Zealand is the largest exporter with 39% of world exports, followed by the Netherlands and Belgium. The top three supply 64% between them, out of 110 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | $1.08B | 39% |
| Netherlands | $454.7M | 17% |
| Belgium | $226.7M | 8.2% |
| Germany | $171.6M | 6.2% |
| France | $146.9M | 5.3% |
| India | $146.9M | 5.3% |
| United Kingdom | $111.8M | 4.1% |
| Ireland | $97.4M | 3.5% |
| Spain | $65.9M | 2.4% |
| Mexico | $38.9M | 1.4% |
| United States | $31.9M | 1.2% |
| Australia | $27.8M | 1% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
Italy is the biggest buyer with 9% of world imports, ahead of China and Belgium. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 25% across 200 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Italy | $261.5M | 9.5% |
| China | $228.2M | 8.3% |
| Belgium | $213.2M | 7.7% |
| France | $207.5M | 7.5% |
| Germany | $138.8M | 5% |
| Saudi Arabia | $137.2M | 5% |
| Mexico | $130.0M | 4.7% |
| Philippines | $106.0M | 3.8% |
| Netherlands | $102.2M | 3.7% |
| United States | $99.2M | 3.6% |
| Thailand | $69.0M | 2.5% |
| Indonesia | $68.8M | 2.5% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $6.89 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $8.26 per kg and India $6.35 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
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 0405.90: Dairy produce: fats and oils derived from milk (other than butter or dairy spreads). HS 0405 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most milk fat?
New Zealand exported $1.08 billion in 2024, 39% of the world total, followed by the Netherlands (16%) and Belgium (8%). In all, 110 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most milk fat?
Italy imported $261.5 million in 2024, 9% of world imports, ahead of China (8%) and Belgium (8%). The top three importers together take 25%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in milk fat?
It was worth $2.76 billion in 2024, about 401.2 thousand tonnes. That is an increase of 16% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $3.04 billion. 110 countries reported exports and 200 reported imports.
What is the average price of milk fat per kg?
The world average declared value was about $6.89 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, the Netherlands averaged $8.26 per kg and India $6.35 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 milk fat?
The HS code for milk fat is subheading 0405.90, 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 0405 page.
How can I find milk fat 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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