Introduction
In 2025, the global milk market continues to thrive with a significant increase in milk imports among various countries. This report will analyze the top 10 milk importing countries in the world, providing insights into their import volumes, key players in the industry, and future trends.
1. China
Overview
China remains the largest milk importing country in the world, driven by its growing population and increasing demand for dairy products. The country imports a substantial amount of milk to meet the needs of its consumers and dairy industry.
Key Players
Some of the key players in the Chinese milk importing market include Mengniu Dairy, Yili Group, and Bright Dairy & Food Co. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
In 2025, China’s milk import volumes are projected to reach record highs, reflecting the country’s reliance on imported milk to support its dairy industry.
Trends
One of the notable trends in China’s milk importing market is the increasing demand for premium dairy products, leading to a rise in high-quality milk imports from countries like New Zealand and Australia.
2. Russia
Overview
Russia is another significant milk importing country, with a growing demand for dairy products among its consumers. The country relies on imports to supplement its domestic milk production.
Key Players
Major players in the Russian milk importing market include Wimm-Bill-Dann, Danone, and Ehrmann. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Russia’s milk import volumes have been steadily increasing, driven by the country’s growing dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products.
Trends
One of the key trends in Russia’s milk importing market is the focus on food safety and quality, leading to a preference for milk imports from countries with stringent dairy regulations.
3. Germany
Overview
Germany is a major milk importing country in Europe, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The country imports a significant amount of milk to meet the needs of its consumers and dairy industry.
Key Players
Key players in the German milk importing market include DMK Deutsches Milchkontor, Müller, and Arla Foods. These companies play a vital role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Germany’s milk import volumes have been increasing steadily, reflecting the country’s reliance on imported milk to support its dairy industry.
Trends
One of the trends in Germany’s milk importing market is the demand for organic and sustainable dairy products, leading to an increase in imports from countries known for their organic dairy production.
4. United States
Overview
The United States is a significant milk importing country, with a diverse dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products. The country relies on imports to supplement its domestic milk production.
Key Players
Major players in the US milk importing market include Dean Foods, Dairy Farmers of America, and Land O’Lakes. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
The US milk import volumes have been increasing, driven by the country’s growing dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products.
Trends
One of the trends in the US milk importing market is the demand for lactose-free and plant-based dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of alternative milk products.
5. Japan
Overview
Japan is a major milk importing country in Asia, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The country imports a significant amount of milk to meet the needs of its consumers and dairy industry.
Key Players
Key players in the Japanese milk importing market include Meiji Holdings, Morinaga Milk Industry, and Megmilk Snow Brand. These companies play a vital role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Japan’s milk import volumes have been increasing steadily, reflecting the country’s reliance on imported milk to support its dairy industry.
Trends
One of the trends in Japan’s milk importing market is the demand for functional dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of fortified and probiotic milk products.
6. Mexico
Overview
Mexico is a significant milk importing country in North America, with a growing demand for dairy products among its consumers. The country relies on imports to supplement its domestic milk production.
Key Players
Major players in the Mexican milk importing market include Lala Group, Alpura, and Grupo Lala. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Mexico’s milk import volumes have been steadily increasing, driven by the country’s growing dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products.
Trends
One of the trends in Mexico’s milk importing market is the demand for convenience and on-the-go dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of single-serve milk products.
7. United Kingdom
Overview
The United Kingdom is a major milk importing country in Europe, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The country imports a significant amount of milk to meet the needs of its consumers and dairy industry.
Key Players
Key players in the UK milk importing market include Arla Foods UK, Müller UK & Ireland Group, and First Milk. These companies play a vital role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
The UK’s milk import volumes have been increasing steadily, reflecting the country’s reliance on imported milk to support its dairy industry.
Trends
One of the trends in the UK’s milk importing market is the demand for specialty and artisanal dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of niche milk products.
8. Netherlands
Overview
The Netherlands is a significant milk importing country in Europe, with a growing demand for dairy products among its consumers. The country relies on imports to supplement its domestic milk production.
Key Players
Major players in the Dutch milk importing market include FrieslandCampina, Royal A-ware, and DOC Dairy Partners. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
The Netherlands’ milk import volumes have been steadily increasing, driven by the country’s growing dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products.
Trends
One of the trends in the Netherlands’ milk importing market is the demand for sustainable and traceable dairy products, leading to an increase in imports from countries with strong sustainability practices.
9. Brazil
Overview
Brazil is a significant milk importing country in South America, with a growing demand for dairy products among its consumers. The country imports a substantial amount of milk to meet the needs of its population and dairy industry.
Key Players
Key players in the Brazilian milk importing market include Lactalis do Brasil, Nestlé Brasil, and Danone Brasil. These companies play a vital role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Brazil’s milk import volumes have been increasing steadily, reflecting the country’s reliance on imported milk to support its dairy industry.
Trends
One of the trends in Brazil’s milk importing market is the demand for innovative dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of new and unique milk products.
10. Saudi Arabia
Overview
Saudi Arabia is a major milk importing country in the Middle East, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The country imports a significant amount of milk to meet the needs of its consumers and dairy industry.
Key Players
Major players in the Saudi Arabian milk importing market include Almarai, Nadec, and Al Safi Danone. These companies play a crucial role in supplying imported milk to meet the demand in the country.
Import Volumes
Saudi Arabia’s milk import volumes have been increasing steadily, driven by the country’s growing dairy market and consumer preferences for imported dairy products.
Trends
One of the trends in Saudi Arabia’s milk importing market is the demand for long shelf-life dairy products, leading to an increase in imports of ultra-pasteurized and UHT milk products.
In conclusion, the top 10 milk importing countries in the world in 2025 showcase a diverse range of markets with increasing demand for dairy products. These countries rely on imported milk to supplement their domestic production and meet the needs of their consumers and dairy industries. The key players in the milk importing markets play a crucial role in supplying imported milk and driving the trends in each country’s dairy industry. As global milk consumption continues to rise, these top importing countries will remain significant players in the international dairy market.
