Uruguay on track for record annual dairy exports

The dairy industry is ending the year with impressive results: according to the National Milk Institute (Inale), exports reached $881.5 million between January and November , which is 14% more than in the same period in 2024 .

These results put the country on track to surpass its record dairy export revenue, set in 2022 at $925.2 million. If forecasts are met, it will be only the third time in history that Uruguay has surpassed the symbolic $900 million mark in this sector.

The driver of this growth was whole milk powder   , which accounted for almost 70% of the sector’s total revenue ( US $607.9 million ) and 78% of export volume (152,042 tonnes).

Prices   are showing an upward trend. In November 2025 , a ton of whole milk powder cost $3,895, 33% higher than in December 2024 and 13% higher than the previous year's average.

"All four core products saw revenue growth, with the exception of cheese," Inale's report emphasized. Revenue from skim milk sales was $51.7 million (up 3%), and butter was $72.3 million (up 16%), while cheese revenue declined 15% to $83.5 million.

A sector that is strengthening its position in the economy.

Dairy products maintain their position as Uruguay's fourth-largest export product, behind beef, pulp and soybeans, but ahead of beverage concentrates.

These results reflect not only the sector's competitiveness, but also its ability to adapt to a volatile international market and take advantage of opportunities during periods of high prices.

Who buys Uruguayan milk?

The export destination map shows a strong concentration in two markets: Algeria leads with 35% of exports, being the main buyer of whole milk powder (48% of the total);   Brazil   accounts for 27%, dominating the skim milk (79%) and cheese (26%) segments;   Russia   ranks third, particularly in the butter segment (22%). This geographic diversification is key to mitigating risks and taking advantage of different regional demand dynamics.

At the regional level, prices for whole milk powder exported from South America reached $4,325 per ton in November 2025, up 9% from the previous year. Skim milk prices reached $3,000 per ton, also up 7% from the previous year. These figures reflect robust international demand and favorable conditions , which Uruguay took advantage of thanks to its efficient production and recognized quality.

Despite revenue growth, total export volume in 2025 (195,669 tonnes) is still below historical levels in 2012 (246,613 tonnes) and 2024 (241,135 tonnes). This suggests that the current growth is more likely due to favorable prices than a significant increase in production.