Top 10 milk protein importing countries in the world in 2025

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Written by Robert Gultig

1 May 2025

Introduction

Milk protein is an essential component of many people’s diets around the world, providing valuable nutrients and health benefits. In recent years, the demand for milk protein has been on the rise, leading to an increase in imports by countries looking to meet this demand. In this report, we will analyze the top 10 milk protein importing countries in the world in 2025, highlighting key trends, financial data, and industry insights.

1. United States

Overview

The United States is one of the largest importers of milk protein in the world, with a strong demand for various dairy products. The country imports a significant amount of milk protein from countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the European Union.

Financial Data

In 2025, the United States spent over $1 billion on milk protein imports, showcasing the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic demand.

Industry Insights

The dairy industry in the United States is highly competitive, with many domestic producers vying for market share. Importing milk protein allows companies to access a wider variety of products and cater to consumer preferences.

2. China

Overview

China is another major player in the global milk protein market, with a growing population and increasing disposable income driving demand for dairy products.

Financial Data

In 2025, China imported over $800 million worth of milk protein, highlighting the country’s reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The Chinese dairy industry has seen significant growth in recent years, with both domestic and international companies investing in production facilities to meet the rising demand for milk protein.

3. Germany

Overview

Germany is a key player in the European milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from neighboring countries such as France and the Netherlands.

Financial Data

In 2025, Germany’s milk protein imports totaled over $600 million, demonstrating the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic demand.

Industry Insights

The German dairy industry is known for its high quality products and strict regulations, making it a desirable market for international dairy producers looking to expand their presence in Europe.

4. Japan

Overview

Japan is a major importer of milk protein, with a strong demand for dairy products due to the country’s aging population and changing dietary preferences.

Financial Data

In 2025, Japan spent over $500 million on milk protein imports, reflecting the country’s reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The Japanese dairy market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international companies vying for market share. Importing milk protein allows companies to offer a wider range of products to consumers.

5. United Kingdom

Overview

The United Kingdom is a key player in the global milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from countries such as Ireland and Denmark.

Financial Data

In 2025, the United Kingdom’s milk protein imports totaled over $400 million, highlighting the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic demand.

Industry Insights

The UK dairy industry is known for its high quality products and strong regulatory standards, making it an attractive market for international dairy producers looking to expand their presence in Europe.

6. France

Overview

France is a major player in the European milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from countries such as Germany and Belgium.

Financial Data

In 2025, France spent over $300 million on milk protein imports, showcasing the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The French dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and strong culinary traditions, making it a desirable market for international dairy producers looking to cater to consumer preferences.

7. Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands is a key player in the European milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from countries such as Germany and Belgium.

Financial Data

In 2025, the Netherlands’ milk protein imports totaled over $200 million, highlighting the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic demand.

Industry Insights

The Dutch dairy industry is known for its innovative products and sustainable practices, making it an attractive market for international dairy producers looking to expand their presence in Europe.

8. Italy

Overview

Italy is a key player in the European milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from countries such as France and Switzerland.

Financial Data

In 2025, Italy spent over $150 million on milk protein imports, showcasing the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The Italian dairy industry is known for its traditional products and strong culinary heritage, making it a desirable market for international dairy producers looking to cater to consumer preferences.

9. South Korea

Overview

South Korea is a major importer of milk protein, with a growing demand for dairy products due to changing dietary preferences and increasing disposable income.

Financial Data

In 2025, South Korea imported over $100 million worth of milk protein, highlighting the country’s reliance on imports to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The South Korean dairy market is highly competitive, with both domestic and international companies vying for market share. Importing milk protein allows companies to offer a wider range of products to consumers.

10. Spain

Overview

Spain is a key player in the European milk protein market, importing significant quantities of dairy products from countries such as France and Germany.

Financial Data

In 2025, Spain spent over $50 million on milk protein imports, showcasing the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers to meet domestic consumption needs.

Industry Insights

The Spanish dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and strong culinary traditions, making it an attractive market for international dairy producers looking to expand their presence in Europe.
This report highlights the top 10 milk protein importing countries in the world in 2025, showcasing the global demand for dairy products and the reliance on imports to meet consumption needs. With strong financial data and industry insights, it is clear that milk protein plays a crucial role in the diets of people around the world.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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