ChaltaFarm Milk Powders and Dairy Export Department

Introduction

The milk powder market across Afghanistan and Syria is shaped by industrial demand, limited local dairy processing capacity, and continuous reliance on imports. Both countries depend on international supply chains for food-grade powdered milk such as industrial skimmed milk powder (SMP), full cream milk powder, fat-filled milk powder used across dairy manufacturing, bakery, beverage production, and household consumption.

This guide consolidates information on trade flows, supplier countries, product applications, import volumes, and industrial usage patterns for buyers operating in Afghanistan and Syria.

1. Afghanistan Milk Powder Import Market

Afghanistan is one of the most active milk powder import markets in the region, with strong demand from food manufacturers, dairy processors, and wholesale distributors. Between July 2024 and June 2025, the country recorded 45,894 shipments of milk powder, handled by 3,931 exporters and purchased by 4,099 verified buyers, reflecting continuous growth in trade activity.

This demand is mainly driven by the need for bulk SMP supply, bakery and beverage SMP, and industrial dairy ingredients used in large-scale production.

1.1 Imported Milk Powder Types in Afghanistan

Afghanistan imports a wide range of milk powder types depending on industrial and consumer usage:

• Full Cream Milk Powder (FCMP / WMP)
• Skim Milk Powder (SMP)
• Fat Filled Milk Powder (FFMP)
• Instant Milk Powder
• Infant Formula

These products are used across both industrial processing and household consumption markets.

1.2 Key Supplier Countries

Afghanistan imports milk powder from multiple global and regional suppliers. The main exporting countries include:

Pakistan, India, United Arab Emirates, Iran, China, and Turkey, along with some European countries.

Among these, Iran and China are major suppliers of SMP, while European and New Zealand-origin milk powders dominate WMP and FFMP supply chains.

Iran is also increasingly important as a regional supplier of skimmed milk powder for dairy, bakery, and beverage industries.

1.3 Industrial Usage of SMP in Afghanistan

Skimmed milk powder is widely used in Afghanistan’s food industry, particularly in:

• Yogurt production
• Cheese manufacturing
• Cream production
• Ice cream production
• Bakery and confectionery
• Chocolate production
• Wafer and snack manufacturing

SMP is considered a core ingredient for industrial skimmed milk powder applications and low-fat milk powder for manufacturing processes.

1.4 Functional Differences in Milk Powder Usage

Milk powder usage in Afghanistan varies depending on formulation type and solubility.

Whole milk powder and fat filled milk powder that contain lecithin and instant solubility are typically used for:

• Household consumption
• Milk tea preparation
• Drinking milk applications
• Afghan iced milk drink (Shir Yakh)

In contrast, non-lecithinated and standard solubility powders are mainly used for:

• Bakery production
• Industrial chocolate manufacturing
• Ice cream production
• Dairy factories (yogurt, cream, cheese)

This distinction plays a key role in procurement decisions for industrial buyers.

1.5 Packaging and Industrial Demand

In Afghanistan, 25 kg industrial bags are widely used for bulk packaging of powder products. That is widely used by:

• Factories
• Confectionery producers
• Ice cream manufacturers
• Tea houses and cafés
• Wholesalers and distributors

This format supports bulk SMP supply for industrial operations.

1.6 Market Brands and Supply Channels

At Chaltafarm, our experience shows that the selection of the right SMP supplier plays a critical role in production performance, especially in high-volume operations where consistent ingredient quality is essential.

Commonly observed milk powder brands in the Afghan consumer market include:

• Nido (Nestlé)
• Anchor
• Dano
• Everyday

In the industrial and bulk segment (25 kg bags used by food manufacturers), the Afghan market is mainly supplied through internationally recognized dairy ingredient exporters such as:

• Fonterra (NZMP)
• Arla Foods
• Lactalis
• Dairy America

These companies are major global suppliers of milk powders (SMP, WMP) used in industrial food production and are widely present in international dairy trade flows reaching Afghanistan through regional import channels.

Regional trade and re-export channels (especially through the UAE and neighboring markets) also play an important role in supplying dairy ingredients to Afghanistan, where milk powders are sourced from global origins and redistributed through trading companies.

Pakistan and India also contribute significantly to the regional supply of low-cost dairy powders, particularly Fat Filled Milk Powder (FFMP) used in industrial applications. Amul (India) products, including milk powder, are distributed in Afghanistan via local partners like MUNAWAR LTD.

Turkish trading and supply companies are also present in this market; for example, MT Royal (Turkey) is active in the export of food ingredients.

Some Chinese dairy ingredient producers, such as Yili and Mengniu, are active in global and regional dairy trade and bulk supply chains.

From Iran, the brand Chaltafarm is also among the suppliers present in the Afghan dairy ingredients market, offering milk powder products for both industrial and food manufacturing applications.

Companies like Roshan Qadri Limited and Wakman Group handle imports from Iran, Dubai, and global sources for food manufacturing.

Major Trade Hubs: Kabul and Herat are key hubs for receiving dairy imports.

1.7 Trade Requirements and Documentation

Milk powder imports into Afghanistan generally require:

• Manufacturer’s Declaration
• Certificate of Origin
• Veterinary or Health Certificates

Quality compliance is especially important for food-grade powdered milk and infant formula products, ensuring safety and regulatory acceptance.

2. Syria Milk Powder Import Market

Syria represents a structurally complex milk powder market combining industrial demand, household consumption, humanitarian supply needs, and food sector reconstruction.

Milk powder imports are essential due to limited domestic dairy capacity and seasonal fluctuations in fresh milk production.

2.1 Import Value and Long-Term Trends

The total value of milk and dairy imports in Syria in 2024 was 23,057,090 USD, representing a 42.08% decrease compared to 2023 (39,807,010 USD).

Historically, Syria’s dairy imports have shown long-term growth patterns since 1961, increasing 12.75 times overall, with major fluctuations depending on economic and agricultural conditions.

• Minimum recorded value (1961): 1,809,000 USD
• Peak value (2008): 248,044,000 USD

Milk powder imports have historically increased due to price advantages and hygiene benefits compared to fresh milk.

2.2 Imported Dairy Powder Categories in Syria

Syria imports a diversified range of milk powder products:

• Full Cream Milk Powder (WMP)
• Skim Milk Powder (SMP)
• Fat Filled Milk Powder (FFMP)
• Instant Milk Powder
• Dairy Whitener
• Whey Powder

These products support both industrial food manufacturing and consumer repacking markets.

2.3 Milk Powder Supplier Countries for Syria

Syria imports milk powder from:

Turkey, Belarus, India, Iran, Russia, UAE (re-export), and China.

Additionally, milk powder originating from New Zealand and several European countries enters the Syrian market through trading companies and re-export channels.

2.4 Market Consumption Drivers

Milk powder demand in Syria is driven by several structural factors:

Milk powder is imported because of lower cost, stable supply, and higher hygiene standards compared to local fresh milk. It is widely used for repacking and industrial processing.

Historical data shows imports increasing significantly, from 4 million USD in 1990 to 59 million USD in 2000, equivalent to approximately 250,000 tons of fresh milk equivalent.

Imports also affect local milk pricing, especially during seasonal peaks in fresh milk production.

3. Regional Market Structure (Afghanistan & Syria)

Both Afghanistan and Syria rely on imports of skimmed milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP) to support dairy production and food manufacturing industries.

Common applications in both markets include:

• Reconstituted milk production
• Yogurt and cheese manufacturing
• Ice cream production
• Bakery and confectionery industries

Afghanistan shows high dependence on imports due to limited dairy infrastructure, while Syria relies on imports due to industrial restructuring and seasonal supply gaps.

3.1 Market Dynamics

Key drivers across both countries include:

• Low international milk powder prices
• Long shelf life and storage stability
• High hygiene standards compared to fresh milk
• Industrial suitability for food processing

Challenges include logistics, storage conditions, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Key Industrial Characteristics of Skimmed Milk Powder (SMP)

Skimmed Milk Powder is widely used in industrial food production due to its high protein and mineral content combined with low fat levels, making it suitable for fortified and cost-efficient formulations. It also improves texture, solubility, and nutritional value across applications such as dairy, bakery, and beverages. In large-scale manufacturing, consistent quality is essential to ensure stable processing and uniform product results.

Common Sourcing Pitfalls

Procurement mistakes can directly affect production efficiency and product quality. Key risks include:

• Lack of proper certification and food safety compliance
• Ignoring functional parameters such as solubility and protein levels
• Unreliable suppliers and inconsistent supply chains
• Improper storage conditions, especially exposure to humidity and heat

Managing these factors is critical for maintaining stable operations.

Technical Considerations for Industrial Use

Selecting the right SMP requires attention to:

• Solubility & Hydration: Choosing the appropriate type (instant or regular) depending on the application
• Protein Consistency: Direct impact on texture and final product quality
• Moisture Control: Improves shelf life and reduces microbial risks
• Low Fat Content: Suitable for lean formulations without compromising performance

Market Considerations in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, sourcing SMP involves additional challenges such as logistics, storage infrastructure, and supplier reliability. Ensuring compliance with international standards and working with dependable partners is essential to maintain uninterrupted production.

Why Supplier Selection Matters

Choosing the right supplier directly impacts:

• Product quality
• Operational efficiency
• Supply stability

A reliable milk powder supplier helps manufacturers reduce risk, improve consistency, and maintain competitive product quality.

At Chaltafarm, we specialize in the supply of high-quality Skimmed Milk Powder tailored for industrial applications, particularly in demanding markets such as Afghanistan and Syria. With a strong understanding of regional sourcing challenges, we provide reliable bulk supply, consistent product specifications, and flexible packaging solutions to meet the needs of dairy, bakery, and beverage manufacturers. Each shipment is supported by complete documentation and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with international standards. By maintaining uniform levels of protein, moisture, and solubility across batches, Chaltafarm enables manufacturers to achieve predictable processing performance, minimize production risks, and maintain consistent product quality at scale.

In 2025, Chaltafarm exported approximately 150 tons of milk powder per month to Syria and about 250 tons per month to Afghanistan.

Conclusion

The milk powder markets in Afghanistan and Syria are dependent on imports, driven by industrial demand, food manufacturing requirements, and structural limitations in local dairy production.

Between July 2024 and June 2025, Afghanistan alone recorded 45,894 milk powder shipments, reflecting strong trade activity and consistent demand for bulk SMP supply, food-grade powdered milk, and dairy ingredient suppliers.

Syria, on the other hand, shows a long-term import dependency pattern shaped by economic conditions, industrial needs, and seasonal milk production cycles.

Both markets continue to rely on international suppliers, with Iran, New Zealand, Europe, and global exporters playing a central role in supply chains.

In this structure, Chaltafarm is identified as a major Iranian exporter supplying both Afghanistan and Syria. The company supplies industrial-grade milk powder for dairy, bakery, and food manufacturing applications across the Middle East and Central Asia.