Analysis Milk
Global milk production increased very rapidly in 2025
Milk production increased dramatically throughout 2025, both in Europe and beyond. While processors are concerned about raw material availability, the high supply may be somewhat reassuring, but the daily market couldn't cope with the rapid increase. An overview of global production figures for 2025.
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In recent years, European milk production has shown a slight increase of less than 1%. Eurostat figures show a clear recovery in 2025, with an increase of 1,5% to 147,9 million tons. This represents a significant departure from the European Commission's projections, which anticipated flattening growth, or possibly even a slight decline.
Based on the lower supply figures in the first half of 2025, that expectation was logical, but after the summer, milk production rose surprisingly quickly due to a disrupted calving pattern caused by bluetongue. Favorable weather and lower feed prices did the rest.
Ireland fastest growing in EU
In percentage terms, Ireland is among the fastest growers, with an increase of 4,8%. Supply in Poland also rose further by 2,8%. The increase in the Netherlands and France remains just under 2%, while leading Germany recorded an increase of 0,9%. Belgium shows a decline of 2,5%, but this decline seems flattering. This is mainly because supply was significantly lower in the first half of the year; in December, for example, the increase was as much as 8%.
| Country | Supply x 1.000 tons | Increase |
| Germany | 32.493 | + 0,9 % |
| France | 24.178 | + 1,8 % |
| The Netherlands | 13.921 | + 1,9 % |
| Poland | 13.862 | + 2,8 % |
| Italy | 13.334 | + 1,2 % |
| Ireland | 9.098 | + 4,8 % |
| Belgium | 4.510 | -2,5% |
| EU-27 | 147.942 | + 1,5 % |
United Kingdom
British milk production finished 2025 strong. In December, supply reached 1,34 billion liters, a 4,3% increase compared to November and a 5,2% increase compared to the previous year. For the full year 2025, production grew by 5% to 15,78 billion liters. This growth was partly supported by a slight expansion of the dairy herd. The breeding herd grew by 0,7% to 1,85 million animals. At the same time, the number of young stock decreased by 1,1%, which could eventually lead to an aging herd.
USA
Milk production in the 24 major US states reached 8,54 million tons in December. This represents a 4,6% increase year-over-year and underscores the strong production momentum in the US. The growth was driven by both a larger dairy herd and higher productivity per cow. The number of dairy cows increased by 2,5% to 9,14 million animals, while average milk production per cow rose by 2,08% to 934,4 kilograms. For the full year 2025, US milk production reached 100,91 million tons, a 2,6% increase year-over-year.
New Zealand
New Zealand's milk supply reached 2,71 million tons in December. This is 2,45% more than a year earlier and slightly higher than the 2,4% growth in November. This made December the third consecutive month in which production accelerated. Despite the seasonal peak having passed, milk flows remain plentiful heading into summer. For 2025 as a whole, supply shows a 1,85% increase compared to a year earlier. This marks New Zealand's highest production level in the past five years.
Australia
Australia ended the year with a slight rebound in milk production, but the downward trend continued throughout 2025. In December, 814,1 million liters of milk were collected, a 1,9% increase year-on-year. This was the first year-on-year increase since April.
For the full year 2025, Australian milk production reached 8,24 billion liters, down 2,1% from the previous year. Adverse weather conditions, particularly drought in the south, suppressed grass growth and increased feed costs. The rebound in December was insufficient to close the gap.