GCC: Lactose Market 2024

Lactose Market Size in GCC

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the GCC lactose market, when its value increased by 14% to $X. The total consumption indicated a perceptible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption decreased by -17.5% against 2019 indices. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of the market remained at a lower figure.

Lactose Production in GCC

In value terms, lactose production expanded notably to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2022; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 when the production volume increased by 33%. Over the period under review, production hit record highs at $X in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Lactose Exports

Exports in GCC

In 2022, after two years of growth, there was significant decline in shipments abroad of lactose and lactose syrup, when their volume decreased by -85.4% to X tons. In general, exports recorded a abrupt setback. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2015 when exports increased by 513%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, lactose exports reduced notably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports saw a abrupt shrinkage. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2015 with an increase of 395%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

In 2022, the United Arab Emirates (X tons) was the major exporter of lactose and lactose syrup, mixing up 67% of total exports. Saudi Arabia (X tons) held an 18% share (based on physical terms) of total exports, which put it in second place, followed by Oman (15%).

Exports from the United Arab Emirates decreased at an average annual rate of -18.6% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Oman (+78.3%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Oman emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in GCC, with a CAGR of +78.3% from 2012-2022. Saudi Arabia experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. From 2012 to 2022, the share of Saudi Arabia and Oman increased by +15 and +15 percentage points, respectively.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) remains the largest lactose supplier in GCC, comprising 62% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Saudi Arabia ($X), with a 23% share of total exports.

In the United Arab Emirates, lactose exports decreased by an average annual rate of -13.1% over the period from 2012-2022. In the other countries, the average annual rates were as follows: Saudi Arabia (+6.2% per year) and Oman (+84.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, rising by 224% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price saw a buoyant expansion. As a result, the export price attained the peak level and is likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Saudi Arabia ($X per ton), while the United Arab Emirates ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United Arab Emirates (+6.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Lactose Imports

Imports in GCC

In 2022, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in purchases abroad of lactose and lactose syrup, when their volume increased by 17% to X tons. In general, imports recorded a prominent increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2019 when imports increased by 350%. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, lactose imports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, imports posted a buoyant expansion. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 with an increase of 394%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X. From 2020 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

The United Arab Emirates (X tons) represented roughly 98% of total imports in 2022.

The United Arab Emirates was also the fastest-growing in terms of the lactose and lactose syrup imports, with a CAGR of +13.2% from 2012 to 2022. While the share of the United Arab Emirates (+23 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the United Arab Emirates ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported lactose and lactose syrup in GCC.

In the United Arab Emirates, lactose imports increased at an average annual rate of +9.1% over the period from 2012-2022.

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in GCC amounted to $X per ton, surging by 31% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, showed a noticeable shrinkage. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

As there is only one major supplying country, the average price level is determined by prices for the United Arab Emirates.

From 2012 to 2022, the rate of growth in terms of prices for the United Arab Emirates amounted to -3.6% per year.

Source: IndexBox Platform