Ireland exports a lot of dairy, the Netherlands is a major buyer

Last year, exports increased in value by 14%. €3,1 billion of total exports went to other European member states, representing a 20% increase compared to 2024. The United Kingdom imported €1,1 billion worth of Irish dairy products, an increase of 18%. Exports to the United States rose by 11% to approximately €1 billion.

With an export value of €2 billion, butter is the largest export product, followed by cheese at €1,7 billion. Other major export products include Fat-Filled Milkpowder (milk powder with vegetable fat), with an export value of €975 million. Exports of skimmed milk powder are worth €530 million, according to figures from the industry association Bord Bia.

Netherlands major buyer
The rapid increase within the EU is attributed to tighter European milk production in the first half of 2025. The Netherlands, in particular, imported a significant amount of Irish dairy in 2025. From January to October, Irish cheese exports (HS code 0406) rose by a substantial 63,2% to over 100.000 tons. Imports were particularly high in July, when the Netherlands imported nearly 25.000 tons. The Netherlands is also the largest buyer of Irish butter, although imports fell slightly by 4,6% to over 60.000 tons in the first ten months of this year. Export data (Harmonized System) for November and December are not yet available. 

Milk supply remains high
Meanwhile, Irish milk production remains high. Milk production in October reached 729.020 tons, according to Eurostat figures. This represents a 5,18% increase compared to a year earlier. This represents a clear acceleration compared to September, when production remained virtually stable, increasing by 0,7%. The figures confirm the positive production trend that has become apparent throughout 2025.

On an annual basis, Irish milk production up to and including October was 5,65% higher than last year. A total of 8,32 million tons of milk were produced during that period.