MD_DA771 DA MD DA771 Whey Protein Concentrate - Central and West **UPDATED MADISON, WI. March 12, 2015 (REPORT 10) WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE - CENTRAL AND WEST Prices for whey protein concentrate 34% are mostly lower on a generally weak market. Although some manufacturers are short on stocks due to commitments, the market continues to have FOB offers available from several other sources. A few producers are curtailing production of whey protein concentrates, for the near term, to lend support to the higher protein markets. The market is two-tiered, with demand from the infant/nutrition segment being active. Most manufacturers indicate buyers are picking up loads with few delays. The second tier of edible WPC 34%, which clears to non-infant formula edible needs and/or animal feed, is running into competition from other protein sources and some slowing pickup rates from buyers. Sellers have an incentive to keep inventories low. To that end, prices exhibit weakness to avoid housing current assets of decreasing value. Throughout the market, inventories are mixed. Inventories of manufacturers serving the human food market are steady to tight. Stocks of WPC 34% destined for the feed market are generally steady to higher. F.O.B. EXTRA GRADE 34% PROTEIN: .8800 - 1.2200 MOSTLY: .9000 - 1.1200 U.S. WPC < 80% Exports, H.S. Code 0404100500(FAS) **2015 Exports % Change From (Million Lb.) 1 Year Ago January Total 13.2 - 18 Year to Date Total 13.2 - 18 1 China 3.2 - 30 2 Canada 2.7 - 6 3 Mexico 2.0 - 49 4 Japan 1.4 + 198 5 Indonesia 0.7 + 31 1100CT Janet.Linder@ams.usda.gov 608.278.4157 USDA/AMS/Dairy Market News, Madison, Wisconsin Dairy Market News website: www.ams.usda.gov/dairymarketnews Dairy Market News database portal: http://www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/da-home