European butter exports rise by 35 percent

European butter exports to countries outside the European Union are growing strongly. In the first quarter, exports increased by 35 percent. Exports to the United States rose particularly sharply. More skimmed milk powder was also exported than last year. Whole milk powder, by contrast, recorded a decline.

Butter exports to the US rise by 85 percent

The European Union exported 69,516 tons of butter to third countries. A year earlier, that figure was 51,325 tons. This means butter exports increased by 35 percent. The United States imported 19,308 tons of European butter. In 2025, the figure was 10,438 tons. Exports to the US therefore rose by 85 percent.

China also imported more European butter. Volumes increased by 7 percent to 3,525 tons. Exports to the United Kingdom reached 10,765 tons. That was 1 percent more than last year.

Skimmed milk powder exports also increase

Exports of skimmed milk powder also increased. Total volumes rose by 10 percent to 204,921 tons. Egypt accounted for 22,679 tons of that total. That was 126 percent more than last year. Indonesia reached 15,692 tons, an increase of 8 percent. Exports to Algeria fell by 5 percent.

Lower exports of whole milk powder

Exports of whole milk powder declined. Volumes fell by 9 percent to 42,642 tons. Oman imported 22 percent less European whole milk powder. Exports to Kuwait fell by 49 percent.

European cheese exports to third countries increased by 5 percent. Japan imported 23,108 tons, up 16 percent. Exports to the United States fell by 4 percent.

Agriculture.ec.europa.eu