Bolivia's Dairy Market Overview

Bolivia is positioning itself as a significant player in the regional dairy market, leveraging its strategic location and trade agreements such as the Andean Community (CAN), which facilitates the import and export of dairy products including the annual import of around 7,000 tons of powdered milk.

Key Data and Statistics

• Number of Dairy Cattle: Approximately 200,000 head of dairy cattle are raised in Bolivia, playing a crucial role in the country's national milk production.
• Milk Production Volume: Bolivia produces an estimated 600 million liters of milk annually, catering to both domestic and regional market needs.
• Milk Processing Volume: The country processes about 400 million liters of milk each year, supported by major dairy enterprises.
• Cheese Production Volume: Bolivia produces nearly 40,000 tons of cheese annually, highlighting its importance in the national dairy portfolio.
• Milk Powder and Whey Production Volume: The production volume for milk powder and whey combined is approximately 15,000 tons annually, with a significant focus on exports.

Key Dairy Enterprises

• Lácteosbol
• PIL Andina
• La Francesa
• Delizia

List of Dairy Farms

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

Export and Import Details

Bolivia exports around 10,000 tons of dairy products annually, including cheese and milk powder, mainly to Andean Community member countries. Colombia is a notable importer, receiving about 7,000 tons of milk powder from Bolivia. On the import side, Bolivia brings in approximately 7,000 tons of powdered milk each year under agreements like the CAN trade agreement.

Significant Events in Bolivia's Dairy Industry

In recent years, Bolivia has improved its dairy production capacity through modernization and investment in dairy infrastructure. The CAN trade agreement has significantly increased Bolivia's dairy trade activity, establishing the nation as a key regional partner. Bolivia is preparing to expand its dairy exports to Chile, including products such as fluid milk, yogurt, and cheese, marking a significant advancement in its dairy sector. Furthermore, the Bolivian government is collaborating with dairy sector representatives to draft new legislation aimed at establishing a "fair" milk price, under the guidance of Deputy Minister of Industrialization Policy, Luis Siles.

Modified: 2025/03/22

---