Palm oil in milk: how the European Union strengthens its presence on the West African dairy market by selling a milk powder substitute[De l'huile de palme dans le lait : comment l'Union européenne renforce sa présence sur le marché laitier Ouest africain en vendant un succédané de poudre de lait]

This paper discusses the recent boom in trade of blends of skimmed milk powder & palm oil between the European Union and West Africa. Due to tensions on international markets of milk ingredients, and in response to strong local demand for dairy raw materials, imports of these "fat-filled blends" in West Africa have exceeded purchases of milk powders. Imports of blends from the EU, in particular, have quadrupled since the 2000s, reaching 324,000 tonnes in 2019. Blends of skimmed milk powder & vegetable fats now account for 40% of the total value of imports of dairy products in the region. In this context, proper labelling and information to consumers are of particular importance to avoid unfair practices. Several associations and producers' organizations also question the underlying food and economic models with potential impacts on human health, environment and rural development. Due to the weak protection of local markets, these substitutes hamper the development of local dairy farming.