Belarus: A Dairy Industry Powerhouse

Belarus stands out as a prominent player in the global dairy industry, underpinned by a robust infrastructure that supports extensive dairy farming operations. The country is home to approximately 1.5 million dairy cattle, facilitating a significant annual milk production volume of around 7.6 million tons. This highlights the critical role of the dairy sector in Belarus's agricultural economy.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

Out of the total milk production, approximately 6.2 million tons are processed each year into various value-added dairy products. Notably, Belarus produces around 200,000 tons of cheese annually. The high quality of Belarusian cheeses has gained international recognition, enhancing their reputation in both local and global markets.

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Belarus produces approximately 100,000 tons of milk powder and whey each year. These products are crucial for domestic consumption and serve as significant export items, showcasing Belarus's strategic focus on international markets.

Key Dairy Enterprises and Farms

The Belarusian dairy market is characterized by several key enterprises, including OJSC "Savushkin Product", OJSC "Molochny Mir", and the Danone subsidiary, which is currently undergoing liquidation. Prominent dairy farms such as SPK "Rassvet", SPK "Novogrudsky", and SPK "Priozerny" play a vital role in enhancing the nation’s dairy production and processing capabilities.

Export and Import Activities

Belarus is a formidable exporter of dairy products, with an annual export volume of around 4 million tons. Key markets include Russia, Kazakhstan, and the European Union, underscoring the high quality and competitiveness of Belarusian dairy products. The country imports approximately 500,000 tons of dairy products annually, primarily focusing on specialty items not widely produced domestically.

Significant Events in the Dairy Industry

Recent significant events include the closure of the Danone subsidiary, marking a major industry shift. The strategic export of milk powder to China and the import of whey and ice cream from Russia illustrate Belarus's dynamic market strategies. Notably, in 2024, Belarus experienced a ninefold increase in milk exports, reaching record sales levels. The introduction of industrial Camembert cheese production signifies a major advancement in the country's processing capabilities.

Technological Advancements

The Belarusian dairy industry is increasingly adopting high-tech solutions to enhance efficiency and maintain a competitive edge globally. Initiatives like the 2025 Dairy Olympics discussed by Alexander Evdokimenko aim to expand dairy exports through exchange platforms. In 2024, a 3.8% increase in milk production was achieved despite a decrease in cattle numbers, indicating advancements in productivity and efficiency.

Pilot Projects and Innovations

A pilot dairy farm project based on Belarusian technologies has been launched in the Akmola Region, showcasing the country's commitment to innovation and international collaboration.

In conclusion, Belarus's strategic focus on high-quality production, expansion of export markets, and technological advancements positions it as a key player in the global dairy industry. The recent agreement creates unique competitive conditions for producers from Belarus, further supporting their prominent status on the international stage. Imports of Belarusian food products to Kazakhstan in the first quarter of 2025 increased by 33% year-on-year, with dairy products accounting for a significant share, reaching $37.1 million.

The European Commission had already approved an initiative to impose tariffs on certain agricultural products and fertilizers from Russia and Belarus. The new tariffs will apply to agricultural imports from Belarus as part of the EU's strategy to reduce dependence on supplies from these countries.

President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes criminal liability for livestock deaths.

As of April 1, 2025, according to data from Belstat, the number of cattle in agricultural organizations in Belarus decreased by 2.4% compared to the same date last year, amounting to 4 million head, including 1.4 million cows. The pig population dropped by 13% to 2 million head.

Belarus recorded a negative trend in cattle herd numbers.

Belarus's cattle herd decreased by 2.1% to 4.1 million head.

A significant exporter of dairy products to Central Asia.

Belarus maintains a leading position in milk and skimmed milk powder supplies to Central Asia.

Belarus is showing steady growth in its dairy export potential.

According to a forecast by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), Belarus is expected to increase its exports of butter and cheese in 2025. In 2024, Belarus recorded its first shipment of butter to China via an exchange-based mechanism.

The Luhansk Ice Cream Plant plans to expand its export geography by launching product shipments to Belarus in 2026.

In 2026, the Luhansk Ice Cream Plant will enter the market of Belarus with its brand Korolevskoye Vashe Vkusneyshevo.

The EU is imposing a 50% tariff on all agricultural imports from Belarus.

The EU Council has approved a new restrictive measure imposing additional duties of 50% on all agricultural imports from Belarus starting July 1, 2025. The measures affect more than 145 product categories, including meat, dairy products, coffee, live plants, animal fats, and vegetable oils, including palm oil.

36 representatives of the dairy industry from Belarus have confirmed their participation in DairyRally USA.

Participants from Belarus will include farmers, processors, agro-experts, and journalists.

Belarus lowers the minimum export prices for dairy goods, particularly butter, for all except the Russian market.

Belarus' Ministry of Agriculture and Food announced a reduction in the minimum export prices for certain dairy products, excluding sales to Russia. The price for butter with a milk fat content of over 72% but less than 80% will now be $7 per kg for markets other than Russia.

Belarus will develop a new breed of cows producing A2A2 milk by 2030.

Belarus has officially announced the development of a new cattle breed — the Belarusian Red — distinguished by a high content of A2A2 beta-casein in its milk. The project was initiated by the President of the country and is being carried out under the auspices of the National Academy of Sciences' Scientific and Practical Center for Animal Husbandry.

Belarus has lowered its minimum export prices for butter for all markets except Russia.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food of the Republic of Belarus has revised the minimum export price thresholds for certain types of dairy products. The new minimum export price for butter with a milk fat content between 72% and 80% has been reduced to $7 per kilogram for markets excluding the Russian Federation.

Central Asia is dependent on imports from Belarus.

Belarus plays a role in the import dynamics of the Central Asian dairy sector.

Modified: 2025/05/18