Russia Expands Dairy Trade in 2024 Amid Growing Production and Export Markets

Imports Surge, Led by Belarus

Belarus continued to dominate Russia’s dairy imports, supplying 94% of the total volume. Other key contributors included Kazakhstan (1.8%) and Azerbaijan (1.2%), followed by smaller volumes from Argentina (1%), Uruguay, Serbia, and Iran (each supplying less than 1%).

Top Imported Dairy Categories:

• Cheese – 284,000 tons (+7.9%)
• Milk & fresh cream (non-condensed) – 201,000 tons (+23.5%)
• Fermented dairy (yogurt, kefir, sour cream, buttermilk) – 140,600 tons (+19.7%)
• Butter, ghee, and dairy fats – 136,800 tons (+9.1%)
• Condensed & dry milk and cream – 132,100 tons (+26.5%)

Exports Expand as Russia Increases Market Reach

Russia’s dairy exports also surged, reaching 195,600 tons, an increase of 17.8% over 2023. Kazakhstan remained the largest buyer (47%), followed by Belarus (11.7%) and Uzbekistan (6.6%). Other key importers of Russian dairy included China (4.9%), Kyrgyzstan (4.7%), Azerbaijan (4.3%), Armenia (4.1%), and Abkhazia (3.5%).

Top Exported Dairy Products:

• Fermented dairy (yogurt, kefir, sour cream, buttermilk) – 73,900 tons (+36.1%)
• Milk & fresh cream (non-condensed) – 35,100 tons (+9.7%)
• Whey & permeate – 28,200 tons (+8.5%)
• Cheese – 26,500 tons (+34.5%)
• Condensed & dry milk and cream – 26,100 tons (-12.1%)
• Butter, ghee, and dairy fats – 1,500 tons (+7.1%)
• Cottage cheese & curd products – 4,400 tons (+46.7%)

Domestic Production Strengthens Despite Challenges

Russia’s dairy production continues to grow, with significant increases across most product categories:

• Milk production – 6 million tons (+5.3%)
• Fermented dairy products – 2.8 million tons (+3.7%)
• Cheese – 837,500 tons (+5.7%)
• Ice cream – 626,300 tons (+19.5%)
• Cottage cheese – 478,600 tons (+8.6%)
• Butter – 329,600 tons (+2%)
• Dry milk & cream – 192,900 tons (-5.8%)

Russia’s Dairy Sector: A Strategic Export Play

The steady rise in export volumes and production output indicates that Russia is strengthening its position in the global dairy market. The government’s push for food security and trade diversification, coupled with the increasing importance of China and Central Asian markets, signals a long-term growth trajectory. However, challenges remain, including fluctuations in dry milk production and potential geopolitical trade barriers.

As Russia expands its dairy trade footprint, industry players will likely continue leveraging strong domestic production and regional partnerships to enhance market stability and global competitiveness.