Ireland’s whole milk powder (WMP) shipments to other European Union member states increased sharply during the first five months of 2026, reaching 9,283 tonnes, according to trade data compiled by DCA Market Intelligence. The figure represents a 166.2% increase compared with the same period in 2025 and significantly outpaced the broader growth in intra-EU whole milk powder trade.
Between January and May 2026, total intra-EU movements of whole milk powder increased 2.9% to 91,997 tonnes. Meanwhile, exports of WMP from the European Union to markets outside the bloc rose 2.2% to 78,051 tonnes. Germany was among the countries contributing significantly to the increase in extra-EU shipments.
European Dairy Powder Prices Rise
Ireland’s stronger WMP shipments coincided with a substantial increase in European dairy-powder prices. By early September, food-grade skimmed milk powder prices had reached €3,205 per tonne, representing a 9.6% increase from the previous month and a 44.4% rise compared with the previous year.
Feed-grade skimmed milk powder prices also climbed to €3,225 per tonne, up 41.1% year-on-year. The increase was part of a wider strengthening across the European dairy-powder market.
Whey products recorded even stronger annual price growth. Food-grade sweet whey powder prices increased by 79%, while feed-grade sweet whey powder prices rose 94.4%. Lactose prices were also 59% higher than a year earlier. According to the report, several powder benchmarks reached their highest levels since 2022.
Milk Collections Increase Across Europe
Higher dairy-powder production has also been supported by increased milk availability in several major European dairy-producing countries.
| Country | Milk Collection Change | Volume |
|---|---|---|
| Germany | +6.4% | 20.16 million tonnes |
| France | +2.2% | 14.66 million tonnes |
| Netherlands | +4.5% | Not specified |
| Poland | +3.1% | Not specified |
| Ireland | -0.4% | 5.80 million tonnes |
German milk collections increased 6.4% to 20.16 million tonnes, while French collections rose 2.2% to 14.66 million tonnes. Milk output also increased in the Netherlands and Poland, by 4.5% and 3.1%, respectively.
Ireland, however, recorded broadly stable milk collections. Its total collections stood at 5.80 million tonnes, down 0.4% from the previous year.
Skimmed Milk Powder Production Expands
European processors have increasingly directed available milk towards skimmed milk powder production. EU production of skimmed milk powder increased 11.7% during the first half of 2026, reaching 865,019 tonnes.
Ireland recorded an even stronger increase, with skimmed milk powder production rising 19.4% during the period.
Trade volumes also expanded. Intra-EU shipments of skimmed milk powder increased 13.5% to 286,920 tonnes, while exports to markets outside the EU rose 10.6% to 367,628 tonnes. Belgium, Germany and France were among the major suppliers to non-EU markets.
Stronger Demand Supports Powder Trade
The rise in Ireland’s WMP shipments occurred as European processors and food manufacturers absorbed more dairy powder within the EU market. The increase also came as European dairy prices moved closer to international market levels.
Despite the significant growth in Irish WMP shipments, whole milk powder prices remained slightly below their levels from a year earlier. The contrasting movements in trade volumes and prices highlight changing supply and demand conditions across the European dairy market.
Ireland’s 166.2% increase in intra-EU WMP shipments therefore stands out against the comparatively modest 2.9% expansion in overall intra-EU WMP movements. The development reflects stronger participation by Irish suppliers in the European powder market during the first five months of 2026.
Source: DCA Market Intelligence, as reported by eDairyNews.
Key Figures
- 9,283 tonnes: Irish WMP shipments to EU member states in January–May 2026
- 166.2%: Year-on-year increase in Irish intra-EU WMP shipments
- 91,997 tonnes: Total intra-EU WMP movements
- 865,019 tonnes: EU skimmed milk powder production in H1 2026
- 19.4%: Increase in Irish skimmed milk powder production
- €3,205/tonne: Early September food-grade skimmed milk powder price