Top 10 cow milk importing countries in the world in 2025

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Written by Robert Gultig

28 April 2025

Introduction

In 2025, the global dairy industry continues to thrive, with cow milk being one of the most commonly traded commodities. This report will explore the top 10 countries that import cow milk on a large scale, providing insights into their import volumes, key players in the industry, and relevant financial data.

United States

Import Volume

The United States is one of the largest importers of cow milk in the world, with a significant portion of its dairy products being sourced from other countries. In 2025, the import volume of cow milk in the US is projected to reach 2.5 million metric tons.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the importation of cow milk in the United States include companies like Nestle, Danone, and Dean Foods. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the demand for dairy products in the country.

Financial Data

In 2025, the total value of cow milk imports in the United States is estimated to be around $3.5 billion, making it one of the top importers of dairy products globally.

China

Import Volume

China is another major importer of cow milk, with a growing demand for dairy products among its population. In 2025, the import volume of cow milk in China is expected to reach 2.8 million metric tons.

Key Players

Some of the key players in the importation of cow milk in China include Mengniu Dairy, Yili Group, and Bright Dairy. These companies are essential in supplying dairy products to the Chinese market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in China in 2025 is projected to be around $4.2 billion, reflecting the country’s significant reliance on imported dairy products.

Germany

Import Volume

Germany is one of the leading importers of cow milk in Europe, with a robust dairy industry that relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import volume of cow milk in Germany is expected to reach 1.5 million metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in Germany include companies like DMK Deutsches Milchkontor, Hochwald Foods, and Arla Foods. These companies play a crucial role in supplying dairy products to the German market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in Germany is estimated to be around $2.1 billion in 2025, highlighting the country’s reliance on imported dairy products.

Japan

Import Volume

Japan is a significant importer of cow milk, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The import volume of cow milk in Japan is projected to reach 1.2 million metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in Japan include Meiji Holdings, Morinaga Milk Industry, and Megmilk Snow Brand. These companies are essential in meeting the demand for dairy products in Japan.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in Japan in 2025 is expected to be around $1.8 billion, reflecting the country’s significant reliance on imported dairy products.

United Kingdom

Import Volume

The United Kingdom is a major importer of cow milk, with a well-established dairy industry that relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import volume of cow milk in the UK is projected to reach 1 million metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in the UK include companies like Arla Foods, Muller UK & Ireland Group, and Dairy Crest. These companies are crucial in supplying dairy products to the British market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in the United Kingdom in 2025 is estimated to be around $1.5 billion, highlighting the country’s reliance on imported dairy products.

France

Import Volume

France is a significant importer of cow milk in Europe, with a strong dairy industry that relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import volume of cow milk in France is expected to reach 900,000 metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in France include companies like Lactalis, Danone, and Savencia Fromage & Dairy. These companies play a crucial role in supplying dairy products to the French market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in France in 2025 is projected to be around $1.3 billion, reflecting the country’s significant reliance on imported dairy products.

Netherlands

Import Volume

The Netherlands is a major importer of cow milk in Europe, with a well-developed dairy industry that relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import volume of cow milk in the Netherlands is estimated to reach 800,000 metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in the Netherlands include companies like FrieslandCampina, Royal A-ware, and DOC Dairy Partners. These companies are essential in supplying dairy products to the Dutch market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in the Netherlands in 2025 is expected to be around $1.2 billion, highlighting the country’s reliance on imported dairy products.

Italy

Import Volume

Italy is a significant importer of cow milk in Europe, with a strong demand for dairy products among its population. The import volume of cow milk in Italy is projected to reach 700,000 metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in Italy include companies like Granarolo, Parmalat, and Latteria Sociale Valtellina. These companies play a crucial role in meeting the demand for dairy products in Italy.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in Italy in 2025 is estimated to be around $1 billion, reflecting the country’s significant reliance on imported dairy products.

Belgium

Import Volume

Belgium is a major importer of cow milk in Europe, with a well-established dairy industry that relies on imports to meet domestic demand. The import volume of cow milk in Belgium is expected to reach 600,000 metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in Belgium include companies like Milcobel, Inex, and FrieslandCampina. These companies are crucial in supplying dairy products to the Belgian market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in Belgium in 2025 is projected to be around $900 million, highlighting the country’s reliance on imported dairy products.

Spain

Import Volume

Spain is a significant importer of cow milk in Europe, with a growing demand for dairy products among its population. The import volume of cow milk in Spain is estimated to reach 500,000 metric tons in 2025.

Key Players

Key players in the importation of cow milk in Spain include companies like Grupo Leche Pascual, Lactalis Iberia, and Central Lechera Asturiana. These companies play a crucial role in supplying dairy products to the Spanish market.

Financial Data

The total value of cow milk imports in Spain in 2025 is expected to be around $750 million, reflecting the country’s significant reliance on imported dairy products.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the global trade of cow milk continues to be a vital aspect of the dairy industry, with several countries heavily relying on imports to meet domestic demand. The top 10 cow milk importing countries in 2025, including the United States, China, and Germany, showcase the interconnected nature of the dairy trade and the significant role played by key players in the industry. As consumer preferences and market dynamics evolve, these countries will continue to shape the landscape of the global dairy market.

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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