MD_DA770                                                                        
DA                                                                              
MD DA770 Lactose - Central and West                                             

MADISON, WI.  September 14, 2017 (REPORT 37)                                    

LACTOSE - CENTRAL AND WEST                                                      

Lactose prices slipped further as the bottom of the range and top of the mostly price 
series moved lower. Industry contacts report Q4 contracted prices and spot sales are 
coming in below Q3 prices. Many manufacturers would like to see an end to the price 
erosion that has occurred since mid-year, but buyers are holding off with the hopes of 
further price concessions. Due to weaker prices and some volume sales, a few processors 
suggest inventories have become more comfortable. In addition, some manufacturers say 
they have slowed lactose production in order to further control inventories. Time will 
tell if these efforts will help stabilize market prices going into Q4 and 2018.


U.S. Lactose Exports, H.S. Code 1702110000(FAS)
                 2017 Exports      % Change From
                 (Million Lb.)       1 Year Ago

July Total               53.7           + 16

TOTAL, JAN - JULY       340.4           + 5
 1 China                 54.7           - 5
 2 Mexico                49.0           + 17
 3 New Zealand           43.7           - 22
 4 Japan                 28.2           + 5
 5 Indonesia             21.7           - 17


Including spot sales and up to 3 month contracts.                               
F.O.B. EDIBLE, NON PHARMACEUTICAL   .2000 - .4700    MOSTLY:   .2500 - .3400    


1100CT mike.bandli@ams.usda.gov 608.422.8592
USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin
Dairy Market News website: http://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy
Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home