Person pouring fresh milk into a metal container in a field with cows in the background — Milk production is increasing significantly | La Derecha Diario

Camara — Milk production is increasing significantly | La Derecha Diario

Argentina led global growth in dairy production in the first half of the year

The data comes from the most recent report by the Argentine Dairy Chain Observatory

22/08/2025 15:22:00h

Editorial Team

Argentina ranked first worldwide in terms of dairy production growth during the January-June 2025 period, according to the latest report from the Observatorio de la Cadena Láctea Argentina (OCLA), with a 11.7% increase in milking volume, the highest rate among the main global producers.

This growth is explained in part by the remarkable recovery achieved by the Government of Javier Milei after the sharp contraction recorded at the beginning of 2024, amid the severe economic crisis inherited from Kirchnerism, but at the same time it represents a strategic boost for Argentina's dairy sector and consolidates its prominence on the international stage.

Comparative table of the accumulated year-on-year variation in milk production of various selected countries and blocs during the period from January to June 2025, with Argentina leading with an increase of 11.7 percent and China showing the largest decline at -1.2 percent.

Data on milk production growth | La Derecha Diario

In the global expansion ranking, Argentina was followed by Chile (8%), Brazil (6.2%), and Uruguay (5.7%), which positioned South America as the most dynamic region in the first half of the year. In contrast, countries such as Australia (-2.7%) and China (-1.2%) showed declines, while the European Union recorded a 0.6% reduction.

In terms of volume, Argentina's performance was also significant. In six months, 500 million additional liters were produced, a figure comparable to that of the United States, which grew by 1%, and only surpassed by the nearly 800 million contributed by Brazil.

Dairy cows in a field watching two large jars of milk on the grass under a partly cloudy sky

Cows | La Derecha Diario

In the overall picture, among the major international suppliers (European Union, United States, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, and Uruguay), production increased by just 0.6% year-on-year in the semester. This resulted in a limited supply in the face of recovering demand, driven mainly by the rebound in Chinese imports and increased commercial activity in Southeast Asia.

“That combination explains why today the main dairy commodities remain at very favorable price levels”, OCLA emphasized. The organization also recalled that only between 11% and 12% of global production is destined for international trade, which accentuates price volatility.

According to projections from specialized entities, global dairy production would grow between 0.4% and 0.8% in 2025. Argentina, meanwhile, would close the year with an increase close to 6%, consolidating its role as a central player in the international market.

➡️ Argentina