Analysis of Bolivia's Dairy Market

Overview

Bolivia is increasingly establishing itself as a formidable player in the regional dairy market. Benefiting from its strategic location and affiliations like the Andean Community (CAN), Bolivia facilitates significant volumes of dairy imports and exports.

Key Statistics

Number of Dairy Cattle: Bolivia houses approximately 200,000 head of dairy cattle, the backbone of its national milk production industry.

Milk Production Volume: The nation annually produces about 600 million liters of milk, addressing both domestic needs and regional demands.

Milk Processing Volume: Of the milk produced, around 400 million liters are processed each year by Bolivia's major dairy enterprises.

Cheese Production Volume: Cheese plays a vital role in Bolivia's dairy sector, with annual production reaching nearly 40,000 tons.

Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume: Bolivia produces approximately 15,000 tons of milk powder and whey annually, much of which is aimed at the export market.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Lácteosbol
• PIL Andina
• La Francesa
• Delizia

Notable Dairy Farms

• Fundo Bolivia Dairy Farm
• Chavez Dairy Farm
• Santa Ana Dairy Farm

Export and Import Details

Exports: Bolivia is active in exporting dairy products, amounting to around 10,000 tons annually, including cheese and milk powder. Within the Andean Community, countries like Colombia are key importers, particularly for the 7,000 tons of milk powder.

Imports: The nation imports approximately 7,000 tons of powdered milk each year, facilitated by CAN trade agreements.

Significant Events in Bolivia's Dairy Industry

Bolivia has progressed its dairy production infrastructure through modernization and strategic investments, supported by trade agreements like CAN, which have buoyed Bolivia's status in regional trades. Plans are in motion to expand exports to Chile, encompassing products like fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese, which denote substantial growth within the sector. The Bolivian government, partnering with dairy sector officials, is working on legislation to determine fair milk prices, spearheaded by Deputy Minister of Industrialization Policy, Luis Siles. However, challenges include the crisis in the dairy sector where prices often don’t cover production costs, potentially leading to closures as warned by the CAO without pricing reforms.

Modified: 2025/04/19

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