Top 10 Milk Producing Countries in the World in 2025

Milk isn’t just a staple in our daily diet - it’s a key player in global nutrition and rural economies. From cheese and butter to yoghurt and sweets, dairy fuels industries and livelihoods. Thanks to improved technology, efficient farming practices, and high-yield cattle breeds, several countries have surged ahead in milk production. Here's a look at the top 10 milk-producing nations in 2025 and how they're shaping the dairy landscape.

1. India – 239.3 Million Tonnes
India leads the global dairy race with a staggering 239.3 million tonnes of milk produced. Its dairy sector thrives on smallholder farms, with buffalo breeds like Murrah and Surti and cows such as Gir and Sahiwal playing a central role. Buffalo milk, rich in fat, dominates the output.

2. United States – 104.56 Million Tonnes
With a production of 104.56 million tonnes, the U.S. remains a dairy powerhouse. Precision-driven and highly mechanised, American dairy farms mostly rely on Holstein cows for volume and Jersey cows for butterfat-rich milk.

3. Pakistan – 49.5 Million Tonnes
Pakistan continues to expand its dairy footprint, clocking 49.5 million tonnes in milk production. Dairy is woven into rural life, with Nili-Ravi buffaloes and Sahiwal cows forming the backbone of its output.

4. China – 41.5 Million Tonnes
China has rapidly scaled up its dairy industry, producing 41.5 million tonnes of milk. Large-scale farms primarily raise Holstein cows, prized for their high yields and adaptability to modern dairy systems.

5. Germany – 33.19 Million Tonnes
At 33.19 million tonnes, Germany remains Europe’s dairy leader. Its farms are known for quality and efficiency, driven by Holstein Friesian cows that deliver consistent and reliable milk output.

6. Russia – 32.5 Million Tonnes
Russia’s dairy production reached 32.5 million tonnes, with widespread farming across its vast geography. Black and White Holstein cattle are preferred for their resilience and productivity, especially in colder regions.

7. Brazil – 25 Million Tonnes
Brazil’s dairy sector hit 25 million tonnes, thanks largely to Girolando cows—an ideal mix of Holstein and Gir breeds—well-suited for tropical climates and high-yield performance.

8. France – 25.83 Million Tonnes
Known for its iconic cheeses, France produced 25.83 million tonnes of milk. Its dairy excellence is built on breeds like Prim’Holstein, Normande, and Montbéliarde, chosen for their rich milk perfect for premium dairy products.

9. Turkey – 22.48 Million Tonnes
Turkey contributed 22.48 million tonnes to global milk production. Its dairy farms, spread across the western and central regions, primarily raise Holstein and Simmental cows to meet both domestic and export demand.

10. New Zealand – 21.2 Million Tonnes
New Zealand remains a global dairy export hub, producing 21.2 million tonnes through pasture-fed Friesian-Jersey crosses. Its grass-based system ensures both quantity and quality of milk, fuelling its strong international presence.

These top milk-producing nations are not only feeding their populations but also shaping global dairy markets. From traditional practices to tech-powered farms, the future of milk production looks both sustainable and innovative.