Europe Loses Dairy Trade Share to the Americas

Europe remains the world's largest dairy exporter, but its dominance in global dairy trade is gradually declining as North and South American exporters continue to gain market share, according to a recent Rabobank analysis. Global dairy trade grew 2% in 2025, surpassing 100 billion kg of milk equivalent, with the European Union accounting for 27% of global dairy exports, down from 30% in 2017.

Meanwhile, the United States, Argentina and Uruguay are steadily expanding their presence in international markets, supported by stronger production growth and increasing processing capacity. Rabobank expects exporters from the Americas to continue growing at around 2% annually, while Europe's milk production faces mounting pressure from stricter environmental regulations, sustainability requirements and an ageing farming workforce.

Although China remains the world's largest dairy importer, its imports have been declining since 2021, prompting exporters to diversify toward emerging growth markets. The report underscores a gradual shift in global dairy trade, with future competitiveness increasingly depending on regions capable of sustainably expanding milk production while adapting to changing market dynamics. (Food & Agribusiness)

Source: Dairynews7x7 22 July, 2026 Read full article here

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