DCA benchmarks: Milkpowder commentary week 14

The milk powder market shows mixed price movements this week. Prices for skimmed milk powder and whole milk powder are slightly decreasing, while whey powder and lactose prices continue to rise. This is based on DCA Market Intelligence benchmarks.Demand for whey powder remains strong, according to market participants. As a result, prices continue to increase. The Northwest Europe benchmark rises by €30 to €1,530 per tonne. The German benchmark also moves above €1,500 per tonne. In the Netherlands and Belgium, prices decrease slightly, but remain the highest overall. Supply is tight, and there is currently very little feed-grade whey powder available.On the global market, prices remain high. However, whey powder prices in the United States have weakened in recent weeks, falling below $1,450 per tonne. This is a drop of more than $100 in a short time. This could start to affect the European market, as US product is now significantly cheaper. Skimmed milkpowderThis situation is different for milk powder. European product is still cheaper than US product. Skimmed milk powder prices in the United States are above €3,000 per tonne. Despite this, DCA benchmarks for skimmed milk powder in Northwest Europe decrease by €40 to €2,730 per tonne this week. This is only the second price drop since mid-November. Prices for skimmed milk powder are now almost equal to fat-filled milk powder. Normally, fat-filled milk powder is a bit more expensive. Stocks are described as tight regarding the whole powder market.