Global Milk Production Rises by 1.9% in May 2026

In May 2026, global milk production witnessed a 1.9% year-on-year increase, reaching an average of 849.5 million liters per day. This growth was primarily driven by the European Union (EU), Oceania, and Argentina, according to the latest report from the Argentine Dairy Chain Observatory (OCLA).

The EU, as a major contributor, recorded a daily milk output of approximately 428 million liters, marking a 1.5% rise compared to the previous year. Germany led the EU's growth with a notable 6.2% increase, followed by Poland and the Netherlands. Conversely, the United Kingdom experienced a slight decline of 0.9% in its daily milk deliveries, totaling 46.6 million liters.

Oceania's milk production benefited from favorable agro-meteorological conditions and increased forage availability, with Australia reporting a 5.4% annual growth, averaging 21.1 million liters per day in May. Despite regional disparities in pasture utilization, the Australian dairy sector maintained a strong net production margin.

Argentina's dairy industry continued its recovery, initiated in 2025, with a significant 11.4% increase in milk production during the first five months of 2026, totaling 3.287 billion liters. This rise was supported by improved herd management and ample feed reserves, enabling smooth supply to domestic markets and substantial exports.

The increased production capacity in Argentina resulted in the highest export volumes in 14 years, with 130,000 tons of dairy products shipped abroad by April 2026. This was attributed to a robust international demand, positioning Argentina's dairy chain competitively in the global market for dairy ingredients and commodities.