USDA: low growth in global milk production in 2024 In its half-yearly December issue, the US Department of Agriculture published its new assessment of global milk production development in 2024 . The overall result represents a comparatively small increase of +0.4% compared to the previous year. However, the results vary in the individual production areas. A decline of -0.14% is predicted for 2024 in the world's largest location , the EU-27 . Declining cow numbers are no longer offset by increasing milk production. Nevertheless, the EU remains the second largest export area for dairy products after New Zealand, with a focus on cheese with a global trade share of 45%. Around 55% of EU skimmed milk powder production is exported. An increase of +0.93% is expected in the USA , the second largest production region. The cow population remains largely unchanged; Increasing milk yields ensure greater milk supplies. While two thirds of the amount of skimmed milk powder has to be exported, there is a small net import requirement for butter.After years of considerable growth rates, India, the third largest production area, is only expected to achieve growth of +0.5%. The number of cows is increasing significantly less. Milk production remains at around 1,650 kg per cow per year. This means that India essentially retains its self-sufficiency status with a focus on fresh milk consumption. Cow milk production does not include buffalo milk production. Despite a small reduction in cow numbers, an increase in milk production of 1.2% is expected in China as a result of significant increases in productivity. Nevertheless, the Middle Kingdom remains dependent on high imports. In the case of whole milk powder, imports of 26% are required and in the case of skimmed milk powder, over 90% of the consumption volume is required. In addition, there are butter imports of 55% and cheese imports of 82% of a growing consumption volume. Milk production in New Zealand has been at capacity for several years. A decline of around -0.5% is expected for 2024. Decreasing cow numbers are no longer compensated for by higher milk yields.Nevertheless, New Zealand remains the world's largest export region with a trade share of around 32% in the dairy products sector. In addition to butter and cheese, the most important exports are primarily whole and skimmed milk powder.
