Cheese from whole cow milk production in Saudi Arabia
In 2023 Saudi Arabia produced 145,379 t of cheese from whole cow milk, the 25th largest in the world (0.63% of the world total). Over ten years it fell by 12%. The record was 195,000 t in 2011.
The 2023 figure is imputed by FAO.
- Production, 2023
- 145,379 t
- World rank
- 25 of 95
- 10-year change
- −12%
- Record
- 195,000 t
- 2011
Cheese from whole cow milk in Saudi Arabia, 2005–2023 (tonnes)
Saudi Arabia compared with the world, 2023
- Share of world total
- 0.63%
- 0.90% in 2013
- 10-year change
- −12%
- world +25%
Position in the world ranking
| # | Country | Tonnes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Mexico | 175,316 | 0.76% |
| 24 | Czechia | 164,440 | 0.72% |
| 25 | Saudi Arabia | 145,379 | 0.63% |
| 26 | Belgium | 123,080 | 0.54% |
| 27 | Israel | 119,758 | 0.52% |
Map of world production of cheese from whole cow milk
Share of the world total; Saudi Arabia is outlined. Small island states are not drawn at this scale.
By year
| Year | Tonnes | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 145,379 | +17% |
| 2022 | 123,768 | −2.6% |
| 2021 | 127,036 | +0.4% |
| 2020 | 126,514 | +6.5% |
| 2019 | 118,786 | +18% |
| 2018 | 100,500 | +12% |
| 2017 | 90,000 | −10.0% |
| 2016 | 100,000 | −40% |
| 2015 | 166,000 | 0.0% |
| 2014 | 166,000 | +0.6% |
| 2013 | 165,000 | +32% |
| 2012 | 125,000 | −36% |
| 2011 | 195,000 | +9.9% |
| 2010 | 177,500 | +2.9% |
| 2009 | 172,500 | +38% |
| 2008 | 125,000 | +43% |
| 2007 | 87,500 | 0.0% |
| 2006 | 87,500 | +75% |
| 2005 | 50,000 | — |
Trade, 2024
- Exports
- 32,648 t USD 173 m
- Exporter rank
- 26 of 123
- Imports
- 133,115 t USD 602 m
- Importer rank
- 16 of 192
FAOSTAT detailed trade data, release of 23 July 2026; quantities in tonnes, values in current US dollars; exports include re-exports. World exporters and importers
Questions and answers
What is the production of cheese from whole cow milk in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia produced 145,379 t in 2023, 0.63% of the world total, according to FAOSTAT.
Where does Saudi Arabia rank in the world for production of cheese from whole cow milk?
Saudi Arabia ranked 25th of 95 countries in 2023. The largest producer was United States with 27.9% of the world total.
How has the production of cheese from whole cow milk in Saudi Arabia changed?
It fell by 12% between 2013 and 2023, compared with +25% for the world. The record was 195,000 t in 2011.
Does Saudi Arabia export or import cheese from whole cow milk?
In 2024 Saudi Arabia reported exports of 32,648 t (USD 173 m) and imports of 133,115 t (USD 602 m), according to FAOSTAT trade data.
Where does this data come from?
From FAOSTAT, the statistics database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; the 2023 figure for Saudi Arabia is imputed by FAO. Shares, ranks and per-person figures are calculated by Husfarm.
Other large producers
Source: FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 4 November 2026. fao.org/faostat. Licence: CC BY 4.0. Charts, rankings and changes calculated by Husfarm.