European butter exports hit record levels

European Union butter exports reached record levels in 2026, with 29,392 tonnes exported in August, the highest volume for that month in historical records. This marked a 42% increase compared to August 2025, showing a significant rise in butter shipments from the region.

July sets another record

Another historical record was set in July 2026, with nearly 31,000 tonnes of butter exported, surpassing the 30,000-tonne threshold for the first time in the last 15 years. This milestone had previously been crossed in May 2026, indicating a growing trend in butter exports across Europe.

Year-to-date export growth

For the first eight months of 2026, the European Union exported 38% more butter than during the same period in 2025 and 19% more than during the previous record in 2020. This growth highlights a strong performance in the butter export sector over the past year.

United States as top buyer

The United States are the leading buyers of European butter, accounting for 24% of the volume, with Irish butter being particularly popular across the Atlantic. The United Kingdom absorbed 16% of community butter exports, while China accounted for 8% during the first eight months of the year.

France leads in butter exports

France exported nearly 73,000 tonnes of butter in the first eight months of 2026, representing a 23.6% increase compared to 2025. Belgium was the main buyer of French butter, with 12,500 tonnes, a 19.5% increase over the same period.

Rising production supports exports

Butter production in the European Union increased by 8.5% in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. In France, butter production increased by 4.5% in the first eight months of the year, supporting the surge in export volumes.