Export and import of dairy products in Russia

Milk production in Russia

Main article: Milk production and sales in Russia

Russia's Foreign Trade

Main article: Russian Foreign Trade

Fermented milk products (Russian market)

Main article: Fermented milk products (Russian market)

2024

Exports of ice cream from Russia for the year increased by 10% and reached 15 thousand tons

The export of Russian ice cream in 2024 increased by 10% and reached 15 thousand tons. In 2023, this figure was lower. The Federal Center "Agroexport" noted that the demand for products increased due to the expansion of the geography of supplies and the growth of interest in Russian brands. Data on this was presented on March 18, 2025 at a meeting of ice cream industry leaders.

The head of the federal center "Agroexport" Ilya Ilyushin noted that the export of ice cream from Russia was seriously affected by sanctions restrictions. Domestic manufacturers were forced to completely leave the American and European markets, which were previously traditional areas of supply.

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Фото: Freepik

Despite the difficulties, Russian companies are successfully developing alternative sales markets. For the period from 2021 to 2024, exports to Uzbekistan increased 3.4 times. As a result of such a reorientation, the share of neighboring countries in the total export of Russian ice cream in value terms in 2023 amounted to 79%.

Among the promising areas for expanding supplies, Ilya Ilyushin singled out the countries of Asia and the Middle East. The greatest potential for increased exports is in the direction of China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Positive dynamics are already visible in trade with China. In 2024, China imported $2.7 million worth of ice cream from Russia, which is 1.4 times higher than in 2023, when the volume of supplies amounted to $1.9 million.

To stimulate export supplies of ice cream in Russia, a set of state support measures is in effect. These include compensation for part of the cost of transporting products and concessional lending programs. These measures help domestic producers to increase their competitiveness in international markets.

The global ice cream market is also enjoying strong growth. In 2024, the volume of global sales of ice cream reached almost $90 billion. Over the past 5 years, the market capacity has increased by 20%. According to experts, by 2029 the global ice cream market will grow to $120 billion.^[1]

Growth in the export of milk powder several times up to 20 thousand tons

The export of dry skimmed and whole milk from Russia in 2024 exceeded 20 thousand tons, while in 2022 this figure was only 4 thousand tons. In monetary terms, the volume of supplies reached $48.1 million. Such data in February 2025 was presented by the federal center "Agroexport."

According to Interfax, the main importing countries of Russian milk powder in 2024:

• Kazakhstan - 42% of the total export volume.
• Algeria - 19%
• Armenia - 9%

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Фото: Freepik

In 2024, the countries of the Middle East accounted for about 1.5 thousand tons of milk powder exports, which made this region a new promising direction of supply. The bulk fell on Egypt. In 2023, Russia began exporting products to Saudi Arabia, where in 2024 the volume of shipments exceeded 110 tons. Supplies to this region continue to grow, market participants say.

Compared to 2023, when exports amounted to $41.9 million, in 2024 the figure increased by 14.8%. The data were presented by Agroexport at the second forum of dairy industry leaders in January 2025 in Moscow.

Statistics show a steady growth in the export of milk powder from Russia from 2022. Over two years, the volume of supplies has increased more than fivefold - from 4 thousand tons to 20 thousand tons. At the same time, the geography of exports expanded due to new markets in the Middle East.

In addition to traditional partners from the CIS countries, Algeria occupies a significant share in the export structure, which indicates the successful entry of Russian producers into the African market. The development of supplies to Egypt and Saudi Arabia also opens up new prospects for expanding the export of Russian dairy products.^[2]

Russia increased annual cheese exports by 22% to 33 thousand tons

The Federal Center "Agroexport" announced at the end of January 2025 an increase in the export of Russian cheese by 22% in 2024, reaching a volume of 33 thousand tons.

According to EaDaily, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan became the main importers of Russian products. Manufacturers from Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Moscow region, Kaliningrad, Bashkiria and Tatarstan are actively mastering the production of European and complex varieties of cheese.

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Фото: Freepik

According to Chinese customs, the supply of Russian cheese to China increased 4.5 times, reaching 440 tons. The cost of products exported to China amounted to $2 million, which is also 4.5 times higher than in 2023.

Agroexport analysts note that the growth in export supplies of cheese indicates an increase in the competitiveness of Russian products in international markets. Expanding the geography of supplies and mastering the production of new varieties of cheese demonstrate the development of the domestic cheese industry.

In particular, Russian producers have successfully launched the production of complex varieties of cheese, which made it possible to enter new sales markets. Enterprises are actively introducing modern production and quality control technologies, which contributes to an increase in demand for Russian products abroad.

A significant increase in supplies to China indicates the prospects of the Asian direction for Russian cheese exports. The increase in export volumes in this direction demonstrates the successful development of new sales markets by Russian producers.

The successes of regional cheese producers, in particular enterprises from Kaliningrad, Bashkiria and Tatarstan, indicate the development of the cheese industry not only in traditional production centers, but also in other regions of Russia.^[3]

Exports of Russian ice cream to China soared 1.4 times to $2.7 million

The State Customs Administration of the PRC recorded an increase in purchases of Russian ice cream from $1.9 million to $2.7 million in 2024, which was 1.4 times higher than in 2023. This became known in January 2025.

According to Rambler, in December 2024, supplies to China decreased to $59.8 thousand from $84.4 thousand. According to Agroexport, owned by the Ministry of Agriculture, Russia ranks eighth in terms of ice cream exports to China in physical terms.

The leaders in the supply of ice cream to the People's Republic of China were France with an indicator of $37.7 million (5 thousand tons), New Zealand - $14.4 million (2.7 thousand tons) and the United States - $9.1 million. The third place in terms of physical volume was taken by the Republic of Korea with 2 thousand tons.

Rosselkhoznadzor said that 50 Russian enterprises have the right to export ice cream to China. According to Agroexport forecasts, by 2030 the volume of supplies may exceed $110 million per year.

"By 2025, the volume of exports of Russian ice cream to China may exceed $7 million," experts from the Ministry of Agriculture say.

In addition, China Russian ice cream is supplied to,, Kazakhstan, and Belarus Uzbekistan Mongolia some countries, Africa including Senegal. In 2024, Kazakhstan's share in the total export volume was 35%, Belarus - 18%, Uzbekistan and Mongolia - 11% each.

According to the publication, in physical terms, supplies to Kazakhstan reached 3 thousand tons, to Mongolia - 820 tons, to Belarus - 800 tons. Russian manufacturers continue to expand the geography of exports and increase the volume of supplies to international markets.

Russian companies are actively developing the export direction, adapting products to the taste preferences of consumers in different countries and observing international quality standards.^[4]

Growth of dairy exports by 18% to 195.6 thousand tons

The volume of dairy exports from Russia in 2024 reached 195.6 thousand tons, an increase of 18% compared to 2023, when 166.1 thousand tons were exported. This became known in January 2025.

According to the press service of the Rosselkhoznadzor, a significant increase was shown by the export of cheese - from 19.7 thousand tons to 26.5 thousand tons, which amounted to an increase of 30%. Deliveries of fermented milk products, including buttermilk, yogurt, kefir and sour cream, increased from 54.3 thousand tons to 73.9 thousand tons.

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Фото: Freepik

For the first time, China entered the top five largest importers of Russian dairy products, increasing purchases by 70% to $16 million. The export of milk powder to the PRC doubled, the supply of cheese and cottage cheese - 12 times, ice cream - by 58%, and milk and cream - more than three times.

Kirill Chechin, Executive Director of Komos Group LLC, noted that the main drivers of the increase in exports remain the CIS countries, where a steady demand for products under the Zelenoe Village and Toptyzhka brands has formed.

Russia continues to increase supplies to non-CIS countries, including, and Algeria Egypt. The Saudi Arabia export structure is dominated by an exchange-traded group of goods: dry skimmed and whole milk, as well as dry whey, the supply of which increased by 26%, 67% and 11%, respectively, in the first nine months of 2024.

By the end of 2024, the export volume of Milk JSC, which is part of Komos Group, should reach 10 thousand tons of finished products, which in monetary terms will amount to about ₽700 million, ensuring the planned growth by 20% despite problems with the shortage of fats in the industry.

Stable export indicators to Kazakhstan and Belarus remain stable, which remain traditional sales markets for Russian dairy producers.^[5]

2023

Milk powder exports from Russia grew 4 times to 20 thousand tons

At the end of 2023, Russia exported about 20 thousand tons of milk powder, which is a record figure. This is 4.7 times more compared to 2022, when the export volume was estimated at about 4.2 thousand tons. Such data are given in the study of the Expert Consulting Center "InvestProekt," the results of which were published on August 21, 2024.

It is noted that Russia increases the export of milk powder for five years (up to 2023 inclusive). The main countries - buyers of these products are Kazakhstan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Armenia and China. At the same time, new directions are actively developing: in 2023, deliveries to Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and Algeria began .

According to the Agroexport export development center, the volume of milk powder production in Russia increases by an average of 7.3% every year. In 2023, output reached 204.8 thousand tons, of which 121.8 thousand tons fell on dry defatted milk and 83 thousand tons - on dry whole milk. In 2022, the total production volume was 190.8 thousand tons, including 111.1 thousand tons of skimmed milk powder and 79.7 thousand tons of whole milk powder. For comparison: in 2019, 133.2 thousand tons of milk powder were produced in Russia, of which 71.7 thousand tons were skimmed milk powder and 61.5 thousand tons were whole milk powder.

One of the drivers of the industry is additional government support measures. In particular, compensation for the cost of building dairy farms has been increased to 30%, and for modernization - up to 50%. The money will be paid from the federal and regional budgets. In addition, compensation for logistics costs increased from 25% to 100%, which, in particular, contributes to the active development of milk powder exports.^[6]

Export growth of dairy products by 8.9% to 215 thousand tons

In 2023, Russia exported more than 215 thousand tons of dairy products. This is 8.9% more than in 2022. This was announced on March 13, 2024 by Interfax with reference to the data of the Agroexport center under the Ministry of Agriculture.

The export of milk powder grew 4.7 times to more than 20 thousand tons, and whey - 2 times to 24 thousand tons. The largest buyers of Russian dairy products were, Kazakhstan,, Belarus, and Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan Armenia China

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Фото: Unsplash

According to Vladimir Skvortsov, director of the food and processing industry department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia, dairy products from Russia are supplied to 60 countries, and a third of Russian producers are engaged in exports.

One of the largest exporters is called Molvest Group of Companies, their supplies increased by 40% to an amount of 290 million rubles. In addition, the geography of exports has expanded. Among the new areas of the company are Uzbekistan, South Ossetia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, the Philippines and Algeria.

Support from the state - participation in business missions, exhibitions, subsidizing transport logistics - contributes to the development of dairy exports - commented on the growth of Deputy Commercial Director of Molvest Group Valery Zubkov.

Among the main difficulties, the manufacturer highlighted the difficulties in receiving payment from customers due to the sanctions regime, as well as the duration and high cost of transport logistics. In 2024, the company sets itself the goal of increasing the export of deep processing products, namely serum and milk proteins.

Molvest Group of Companies is the third company in Russia in terms of milk processing. The group includes dairy complexes, which contain about 30 thousand cows. Among the company's trademarks can be distinguished "Vkusnoteevo," "Molvest." Export supplies have been developing since 2020.^[7]

2021: Dairy exports from Russia soared 29% to $470 million

The export of dairy products from Russia at the end of 2021 soared by 29% compared to 2020 and amounted to $470 million. In physical terms, supplies increased by 15% and exceeded 1 million tons, according to data from the National Union of Milk Producers (Soyuzmoloko), which were released in mid-February 2022.

The most growing category of the last two years is milk whey: in 2020, the volume of exports increased 3 times, in 2021 - another 2 times, to 13.6 thousand tons. The growth of exports is facilitated by the development of domestic production of cheeses and the accompanying product - dry whey and whey products. Also, the export driver in 2021 was ice cream (+ 26%, up to 33.1 thousand tons), cheeses (+ 24%, up to 27.0 thousand tons), drinking milk and cream (+ 24%, up to 46.6 thousand tons).

Dairy exports from Russia soared by 29% to $470 million in 2021

In the volume of Russian exports of dairy goods, almost a quarter are cheeses (23%, or $110 million), a fifth are fermented dairy products (20%, or $96 million), as well as ice cream (18%, or $85 million). At the same time, in 2021, export supplies of dry dairy products increased, including to China, dry whole milk and dry whey. At the same time, China became a key importer of Russian whole milk powder and took the third position in the supply of whey.

According to Soyuzmoloko, the five importers of dairy products from Russia at the end of 2021 included, Kazakhstan,, and Ukraine Belarus. USA Uzbekistan The largest increase in supplies fell on Kazakhstan, the USA, Ukraine, as well as on a number of other countries, including China. At the same time, the United States increased supplies by almost 3 times compared to 2020 - up to $29.6 million. Russian ice cream is the most popular there. Expanding the geography of exports is another trend in recent years, the study says.^[8]

Notes