Fermented milk products imports in the United Arab Emirates: data, top suppliers and prices
In 2024, the United Arab Emirates imported fermented milk products worth $32.9 million (13.2 thousand tonnes). Its share of world imports was 1%. Value fell 4% from 2023. Over 2017-2024 the trade grew strongly, by about 18% a year on average.
Public statistics, latest complete year (2024). Values in US dollars. Page updated .
Imports by year, 2017-2024
Hover or tap a year for detail.
Year by year
| Year | Value | Quantity |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $32.9M | 13.2K t |
| 2023 | $34.3M | 16.4K t |
| 2022 | $29.0M | 11.9K t |
| 2021 | $26.0M | 12.5K t |
| 2020 | $24.9M | 10.7K t |
| 2019 | $21.4M | 9.4K t |
| 2018 | $23.6M | 10.4K t |
| 2017 | $10.3M | 5.0K t |
Where the United Arab Emirates imports fermented milk products from
Most of the value came from Saudi Arabia (30%), Ireland (10%), New Zealand (9%). Trade is spread widely: the top three suppliers together make up only 49%. Among the main suppliers, Ireland grew fastest (+210% on the year before).
| Supplier country | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $9.9M | 30% |
| Ireland | $3.2M | 9.7% |
| New Zealand | $2.9M | 8.9% |
| Germany | $2.5M | 7.6% |
| United Kingdom | $2.3M | 6.9% |
| Turkey | $2.2M | 6.6% |
| France | $1.9M | 5.7% |
| Bahrain | $1.7M | 5.3% |
| Netherlands | $1.0M | 3.2% |
| Sweden | $953K | 2.9% |
Average import price per kg
The average declared value was about $2.50 per kg, 43% above the world average of $1.75. This usually points to higher-grade or processed goods.
Declared value divided by weight, all 2024 shipments. Prices per shipment and per company are in EximDataX.
Fermented milk products exports from the United Arab Emirates
Exports of fermented milk products by the United Arab Emirates reached $10.5 million in 2024 (4.6 thousand tonnes). The largest buyer markets were Saudi Arabia (42%), Kuwait (35%), Bahrain (11%). Among the main buyer markets, Egypt grew fastest (+415% on the year before).
| Destination | Value | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | $4.4M | 42% |
| Kuwait | $3.6M | 35% |
| Bahrain | $1.2M | 11% |
| Qatar | $586K | 5.6% |
| Egypt | $555K | 5.3% |
| United States | $76K | 0.7% |
| Maldives | $66K | 0.6% |
| Mauritania | $30K | 0.3% |
| Seychelles | $11K | 0.1% |
| Tanzania | $1K | 0% |
Who is behind these numbers in the United Arab Emirates?
The shipment records behind United Arab Emirates fermented milk products imports (HS 0403.90): companies, dates, quantities and declared values.
Shipment records are in the platform
Tell us what you trade and we will show you the latest records on a live call.
Mirror data: built from the shipment records of the countries that trade with it.
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).
Common questions
What is the value of fermented milk products imported by the United Arab Emirates?
The United Arab Emirates imported fermented milk products worth $32.9 million in 2024, the latest year with complete public data, about 13.2 thousand tonnes. That ranks it 22nd of 216 countries worldwide, with 1% of world imports. The value was down 4% on 2023.
Which countries supply fermented milk products to the United Arab Emirates?
Saudi Arabia was the largest supplier with 30% of the value ($9.9 million), followed by Ireland (10%) and New Zealand (9%). The top three together account for 49%, out of 37 supplier countries in total. Ireland grew fastest among the top ten, up 210% on the year.
What is the average import price of fermented milk products per kg?
The average declared import value was about $2.50 per kg in 2024, 43% above the world average of $1.75 per kg. Declared value divided by weight mixes every grade, so read it as a benchmark rather than a quote.
How have imports of fermented milk products to the United Arab Emirates changed since 2017?
Imports went from $10.3 million in 2017 to $32.9 million in 2024, an increase of 219%. The peak was 2023 at $34.3 million. Over 8 years the average was $25.3 million a year.
Does the United Arab Emirates also export fermented milk products?
Yes. The United Arab Emirates exported $10.5 million worth of this product in 2024, mainly to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain. On balance the United Arab Emirates is a net importer of this product, by about $22.5 million a year.
What is the HS code for fermented milk products?
The HS code for fermented milk products is subheading 0403.90. It sits in HS chapter 04 (dairy produce; birds' eggs; natural honey; edible products of animal origin, not elsewhere specified or included). The full list of codes and descriptions is on the HS 0403 page.
How can I find the companies behind this trade?
The totals here are public statistics; EximDataX adds the company names by reading partner countries' customs records for the United Arab Emirates. Tell us your product to see it live.
Same product, other countries
World fermented milk products trade: top importers and exporters
More trade data for the United Arab Emirates
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.