Belarus: A Dairy Industry Powerhouse

Belarus holds a prominent position in the global dairy industry, characterized by a robust infrastructure that supports extensive dairy farming operations. The country is home to approximately 1.5 million dairy cattle, contributing to an impressive annual milk production volume of around 7.6 million tons. This underscores the critical importance of the dairy sector within Belarus's agricultural economy.

Milk Processing and Cheese Production

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

Milk Powder and Whey Production

Belarus also produces approximately 100,000 tons of milk powder and whey annually. These products are vital for domestic consumption and serve as significant export items, highlighting 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, emphasizing 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.

Trade Relations and Market Dynamics

Belarus is also among the leading importers of Russian ice cream, indicating robust trade relations. The country exported dry mix for ice cream production to Armenia for the first time via BUCE. Belarus has been exporting dairy products like milk powder and butter to Armenia through BUCE. In addition to dairy products, Belarus also exported coniferous sawn timber and non-ferrous metal scrap to Armenia through the exchange.

Regulatory and Market Challenges

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. Additionally, President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko proposes criminal liability for livestock deaths, highlighting a focus on improving animal welfare and productivity.

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. During the first half of 2025, Belarus experienced a 10.5% increase in agricultural producer prices, with a 10.7% increase in June 2025 compared to June 2024.

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.

Modified: 2025/08/23