Ireland imported 171m litres of fresh milk from Northern Ireland for liquid consumption in 2024, according to the National Milk Agency’s annual report for 2024.

Just under 100m litres came already packaged while another 70m litres came in bulk form for processing, holding a total market share of 30%.

Packaged milk imports were unchanged from the previous year while bulk raw milk imports increased by 4%, according to the report.

Market share

Interestingly, just 30 years ago in 1995 there were no imports and registered processors and producers had a market share of 100%.

However, in recent times the National Milk Agency has said it has become evidently clear that the milk contained in these “packaged milk imports” is being substantially, sourced and purchased from dairy farmers in the Republic of Ireland, albeit that these purchased milk supplies are subsequently processed and packaged in Northern Ireland and returned back into the State.

The National Milk Agency said it is “reviewing this anomalous situation”.