Whey and milk products trade by country: top importers, exporters and prices
World trade in whey and milk products was worth $5.28 billion in 2024, about 4.17 million tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017, and down 2% 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 | $5.28B | 4.17M t |
| 2023 | $5.40B | 4.00M t |
| 2022 | $6.37B | 4.18M t |
| 2021 | $5.69B | 4.48M t |
| 2020 | $4.90B | 4.23M t |
| 2019 | $4.58B | 4.09M t |
| 2018 | $4.37B | 4.03M t |
| 2017 | $4.59B | 4.25M t |
Top whey and milk products exporting countries
The United States is the largest exporter with 14% of world exports, followed by Germany and New Zealand. The top three supply 39% between them, out of 118 exporting countries.
| Exporter | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $765.2M | 15% |
| Germany | $641.1M | 12% |
| New Zealand | $627.9M | 12% |
| Netherlands | $526.1M | 10% |
| France | $496.3M | 9.4% |
| Ireland | $244.7M | 4.6% |
| Poland | $208.1M | 3.9% |
| Italy | $177.6M | 3.4% |
| Denmark | $147.3M | 2.8% |
| Canada | $122.4M | 2.3% |
| Argentina | $115.8M | 2.2% |
| Austria | $114.1M | 2.2% |
Top importing countries and buyer markets
China is the biggest buyer with 15% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands and the United States. Demand is spread widely: the top three take 33% across 194 importing countries.
| Importer | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| China | $799.7M | 15% |
| Netherlands | $477.3M | 9% |
| United States | $444.4M | 8.4% |
| Germany | $247.4M | 4.7% |
| Indonesia | $208.8M | 4% |
| South Korea | $178.5M | 3.4% |
| France | $160.9M | 3.1% |
| Japan | $152.5M | 2.9% |
| United Kingdom | $151.3M | 2.9% |
| Denmark | $151.0M | 2.9% |
| Italy | $143.0M | 2.7% |
| Mexico | $113.1M | 2.1% |
Average price per kg
The world average declared value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $5.31 per kg and Italy $0.85 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 0404
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 0404: Whey and products consisting of natural milk constituents; whether or not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, not elsewhere specified or included. HS 0404 codes.
Common questions
Which countries export the most whey and milk products?
The United States exported $765.2 million in 2024, 14% of the world total, followed by Germany (12%) and New Zealand (12%). In all, 118 countries reported exports of this product. The full ranking and map are on this page.
Which countries import the most whey and milk products?
China imported $799.7 million in 2024, 15% of world imports, ahead of the Netherlands (9%) and the United States (8%). The top three importers together take 33%. Each country with its own page is linked from the table.
How big is the world trade in whey and milk products?
It was worth $5.28 billion in 2024, about 4.17 million tonnes. That is an increase of 15% since 2017. The peak year was 2022 at $6.37 billion. 118 countries reported exports and 194 reported imports.
What is the average price of whey and milk products per kg?
The world average declared value was about $1.26 per kg in 2024. Among the main exporters, New Zealand averaged $5.31 per kg and Italy $0.85 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 whey and milk products?
The HS code for whey and milk products is heading 0404, 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 0404 page.
How can I find whey and 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.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
Everything we show you comes from official customs filings — records, not claims. 30 minutes. Your shipment. Your HS code. Real platform. If you don’t see something new about your market by the end of the call, we walk away. No follow-ups.