Europe: Lactose Market 2024

Lactose Market Size in Europe

The Europe lactose market expanded significantly to $X in 2022, growing by 11% against the previous year. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market hit record highs in 2022 and is likely to see steady growth in the immediate term.

Lactose Production in Europe

In value terms, lactose production skyrocketed to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.9% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production increased by +90.7% against 2015 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, production reached the peak level in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Lactose Exports

Exports in Europe

In 2022, after six years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of lactose and lactose syrup, when their volume decreased by -5.8% to X tons. Total exports indicated resilient growth from 2012 to 2022: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when exports increased by 20% against the previous year. The volume of export peaked at X tons in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

In value terms, lactose exports declined slightly to $X in 2022. In general, exports, however, posted temperate growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 30% against the previous year. The level of export peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

Exports by Country

Germany represented the key exporting country with an export of about X tons, which accounted for 45% of total exports. The Netherlands (X tons) held a 24% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by France (8.7%), Italy (5.2%) and Poland (4.7%). The following exporters - the UK (X tons) and Lithuania (X tons) - together made up 6.2% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the key exporting countries, was attained by Poland (with a CAGR of +45.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Germany ($X), the Netherlands ($X) and France ($X) constituted the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2022, with a combined 83% share of total exports. Italy, Poland, the UK and Lithuania lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 11%.

Among the main exporting countries, Poland, with a CAGR of +43.7%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Europe amounted to $X per ton, rising by 1.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, saw a mild curtailment. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 an increase of 22% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Germany ($X per ton), while the UK ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Germany (-0.1%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Lactose Imports

Imports in Europe

In 2022, the amount of lactose and lactose syrup imported in Europe skyrocketed to X tons, jumping by 22% against 2021 figures. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.7% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 24%. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

In value terms, lactose imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. The total import value increased at an average annual rate of +3.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see gradual growth in the near future.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons), distantly followed by Ireland (X tons), Germany (X tons), France (X tons), Austria (X tons) and Belgium (X tons) represented the key importers of lactose and lactose syrup, together committing 71% of total imports. Italy (X tons), Spain (X tons), Russia (X tons), Poland (X tons), the UK (X tons), Switzerland (X tons) and Sweden (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Poland (with a CAGR of +8.1%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the largest lactose importing markets in Europe were the Netherlands ($X), Ireland ($X) and Germany ($X), together comprising 46% of total imports. France, Italy, Spain, Austria, the UK, Poland, Belgium, Russia, Switzerland and Sweden lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 44%.

In terms of the main importing countries, Sweden, with a CAGR of +6.9%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Europe amounted to $X per ton, almost unchanged from the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a mild descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when the import price increased by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the UK ($X per ton), while Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Spain (+6.3%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform