Qatar’s skim milk imports drop sharply to US$863K in 2024

QATAR – Qatar’s skim milk imports saw a significant decline in 2024, dropping to 485 tons, a decrease of 12.6% compared to the previous year, according to a report by IndexBox.

The overall trend reflects a continued downturn in the country’s skim milk imports over the past decade, with figures far below the peak of 20,000 tons recorded in 2016.

In terms of value, imports fell to US$863,000, marking a dramatic contraction from previous years.

The sharpest increase in value was noted in 2015 when imports rose by 3.8%, but since then, the market has steadily declined.

In 2016, Qatar’s skim milk imports were valued at US$21 million before starting a downward trajectory from 2017 to 2024.

Kuwait remained Qatar’s primary supplier in 2024, accounting for 66% of total imports with a shipment of 318 tons.

Italy followed with 82 tons, while the United Arab Emirates supplied 40 tons.

In value terms, Kuwait dominated with US$530,000, representing 61% of the total, while Italy and Saudi Arabia contributed 20% and 7.4%, respectively.

According to the report, skim milk imports from Kuwait increased at an annual rate of 16.6% in terms of volume, while Italy recorded a 60.5% annual increase.

Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, experienced a significant decline, with an average annual drop of 43.7% over the period.

The price of skim milk imports into Qatar rose by 3.3% in 2024, reaching US$1,778 per ton.

The overall trend indicated a steady increase in prices over the past decade, with an average annual growth rate of 5.0%. N

otable fluctuations were recorded, with the highest price growth of 32% observed in 2023.

Among the major suppliers, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest price at US$2,493 per ton, while the United Arab Emirates had one of the lowest prices at US$1,465 per ton.

An industry expert, commenting on the situation, stated,

“The declining import volumes reflect shifting trade patterns and a possible move towards local alternatives or alternative dairy sources.”

“With import prices on the rise, buyers may be looking for cost-effective solutions, which could further impact future import trends.”

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