Abstract
Global agricultural imports of butter are influenced by each country’s consumption patterns and production capacities, with France remaining the largest importer at 215kt in 2021. France has a traditionally high butter consumption and common use in bread and dairy products, leading to high imports. Furthermore, France’s production alone is insufficient to meet domestic demand, so the country is also dependent on imports. Other major butter importing countries include Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, with their import volumes reflecting the high demand for butter in their countries. For example, Germany and the United Kingdom also have stable imports of butter due to their high consumption rates. On the other hand, butter consumption in the United States is increasing, and domestic production is not keeping up with demand, so imports are on the rise. In recent years, the trend has been an increase in butter imports, due to increased consumption and limitations in domestic production. In addition, price fluctuations in the international dairy market and trade policies also affect each country’s import volumes, and these factors appear to be acting in a complex manner.
Butter imports (worldwide)
Through data on butter imports from 1961 to 2021, some notable trends and changes can be seen. In 1967, the UK imported a record amount of 491kt, highlighting the high demand for butter at the time. However, in subsequent decades, British butter imports have fallen significantly, and are now just 11.6% of their peak level. This decline is mainly due to increased domestic production, changing consumption patterns and the spread of substitute products. Similarly, other countries have also observed fluctuations in butter imports. From the 1970s to the 1980s, imports increased in line with rising demand for dairy products, but since the 2000s, the growth in imports has slowed due to growing health consciousness and the spread of alternative products. In particular, fluctuations in butter prices and the influence of international trade also affect import volumes, and it can be seen that these factors act in a complex manner. Overall, butter import volumes fluctuate over time and are influenced by each country’s production capacity, consumer preferences, and international market trends.
The maximum is 4.85Mt[2020] of India, and the current value is about 98.3%
Butter imports by country (latest year)
When examining the 2021 agricultural butter import data, several characteristics and trends emerge. France recorded the highest import volume at 215kt, indicating France’s high butter consumption and limited production capacity. France has traditionally consumed a lot of butter, and because domestic production cannot keep up with demand, it imports large amounts of butter. However, the overall average import volume was 10.9kt, indicating that the majority of countries have relatively small import volumes. Total imports stood at 2.01 Mt, highlighting butter’s global importance as a dairy product, but also highlighting the fact that a few major importing countries account for the majority of imports. Historically, butter import volumes have varied widely from country to country, particularly in countries with high butter consumption and in countries with production shortages. Additionally, imports from some countries are stable or even declining due to growing health consciousness and changing eating habits. In contrast, emerging countries and countries with growing consumption tend to see an increase in imports. Overall, butter imports are highly dependent on local needs and market trends and are influenced by fluctuations in international dairy markets.
The maximum is 4.77Mt of India, the average is 66.5kt, and the total is 12.2Mt
Butter imports (continental)
Data on agricultural butter imports in 2021 shows Europe recorded the largest imports at 1.43Mt, reflecting growing butter consumption and limited production in the region. Many European countries are major consumers of butter, and as domestic production cannot meet demand, large-scale imports are required. Compared to historical data, European butter imports have been on the rise for many years, and this trend has continued in recent years. In particular, large countries such as France and Germany are importing large amounts, which is boosting overall import volumes in the region. European consumers are increasingly demanding higher quality butter, which is contributing to increased imports. Compared to other regions, Europe’s imports are by far the highest, due to the diversity of consumption within Europe, its high standard of living and the traditional uses of butter. Meanwhile, imports from other regions tend to be relatively low or stable, highlighting Europe’s high demand. Overall, European butter imports are highly dependent on the balance between market demand and production, and the region is likely to remain a major importer in the future.
The maximum is 7.42Mt[2020] of Asia, and the current value is about 99.8%
Butter imports (latest year, continental)
Based on data on agricultural butter imports in 2021, Europe recorded the largest imports at 1.25 Mt, accounting for the majority of the total imports. The reason behind Europe’s high butter imports is thought to be high consumption in the region and a situation where production cannot keep up with demand. This includes countries with high butter consumption, such as France, Germany and the Netherlands, which is driving up European imports overall. Overall imports were 2.01Mt, with Europe accounting for a notable share of 1.25Mt. The sheer scale of Europe’s demand for butter becomes clear when compared with imports from other regions. The average import volume was 335kt, indicating that many countries have relatively small imports. This average is an indication of how large a share Europe has in total imports. Historically, European butter imports have remained steadily high, driven by the tradition of butter consumption and the needs of the food industry. Meanwhile, other regions tend to have relatively low import volumes and stable domestic production and consumption. European butter imports are likely to remain at high levels for the foreseeable future, subject to international market trends and trade policies.
The maximum is 7.4Mt of Asia, the average is 2.03Mt, and the total is 12.2Mt
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