Top 20 Milk Exporters in the World

Robert Gultig

24 October 2025

Top 20 Milk Exporters in the World

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Written by Robert Gultig

24 October 2025

Introduction:

The global milk industry is a significant player in the food and beverage market, with several countries dominating the exports of this essential dairy product. In recent years, the demand for milk and dairy products has been steadily increasing, driven by factors such as growing population, rising disposable income, and changing dietary habits. According to recent data, the global milk market is valued at over $500 billion, with exports playing a crucial role in driving growth.

Top 20 Milk Exporters in the World:

1. New Zealand
– New Zealand is one of the largest milk exporters in the world, with a production volume of over 20 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy industry is known for its high-quality products and efficient supply chain.

2. European Union
– The European Union is a major player in the global milk market, accounting for a significant share of exports. With a diverse range of dairy products, the EU is able to cater to various international markets.

3. United States
– The United States is a key player in the global milk industry, with a production volume of over 18 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy sector is known for its technological advancements and innovative practices.

4. Australia
– Australia is a prominent milk exporter, with a strong focus on quality and sustainability in its dairy production. The country’s dairy industry is well-regulated and consistently meets international standards.

5. Germany
– Germany is one of the leading milk exporters in Europe, with a production volume of over 30 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy products are highly sought after for their quality and taste.

6. Netherlands
– The Netherlands is a key player in the global dairy market, with a strong focus on innovation and sustainability. The country’s dairy sector is known for its high-quality products and efficient production practices.

7. France
– France is a major milk exporter in Europe, with a production volume of over 25 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and traditional manufacturing methods.

8. Belarus
– Belarus is a significant player in the global milk market, with a production volume of over 7 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy sector is known for its modern production facilities and high-quality products.

9. Argentina
– Argentina is a prominent milk exporter in South America, with a production volume of over 10 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy industry is known for its large-scale production and efficient supply chain.

10. Uruguay
– Uruguay is a key player in the global dairy market, with a production volume of over 2 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy sector is known for its sustainable production practices and high-quality products.

11. Brazil
– Brazil is a major milk exporter in South America, with a production volume of over 15 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and competitive pricing.

12. India
– India is a significant player in the global dairy market, with a production volume of over 150 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy sector is known for its large-scale production and low production costs.

13. China
– China is a key player in the global milk industry, with a production volume of over 40 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy sector is known for its rapid growth and increasing investments in dairy production.

14. Russia
– Russia is a major milk exporter in Europe, with a production volume of over 30 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy industry is known for its large-scale production and competitive pricing.

15. Ukraine
– Ukraine is a significant player in the global dairy market, with a production volume of over 10 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy sector is known for its high-quality products and efficient supply chain.

16. United Kingdom
– The United Kingdom is a prominent milk exporter in Europe, with a production volume of over 15 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy industry is known for its diverse range of products and strong export capabilities.

17. Ireland
– Ireland is a key player in the global milk market, with a production volume of over 7 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy sector is known for its sustainable production practices and high-quality products.

18. Poland
– Poland is a major milk exporter in Europe, with a production volume of over 10 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy industry is known for its modern production facilities and efficient supply chain.

19. Turkey
– Turkey is a significant player in the global dairy market, with a production volume of over 5 million metric tons per year. The country’s dairy sector is known for its diverse range of products and competitive pricing.

20. Japan
– Japan is a prominent milk exporter in Asia, with a production volume of over 5 million metric tons annually. The country’s dairy industry is known for its high-quality products and strong export capabilities.

Insights:

The global milk market is expected to continue growing in the coming years, driven by increasing demand for dairy products in emerging markets. Key trends shaping the industry include the focus on sustainability, innovation in production methods, and the rise of plant-based alternatives. According to industry experts, the global milk market is projected to reach a value of over $600 billion by 2025, with exports playing a crucial role in driving growth. As competition intensifies among top exporters, companies will need to focus on product differentiation and quality to maintain their market share.

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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