When will global milk production hit a tipping point?
With global milk prices falling, the question is when will key exporting countries reach a tipping point where production starts to dip.
Dairy prices overall were up slightly in last night’s Global Dairy Trade auction.
However, there were mixed results across products: whole milk powder prices rose by 2.1%, while skim milk powder prices dipped 0.8%.
Butter prices rose by 4.5%, but anhydrous milk fat was up just 0.5%. Buttermilk powder, which wasn’t offered at the previous auction, was down sharply.
Westpac senior economist Michael Gordon says the auction results were surprisingly positive, against the backdrop of a severely weakened global economy as many parts of the world have locked themselves down to slow the spread of COVID-19.
“It was, however, in keeping with the calmer tone in world financial markets since the last auction on 18 March,” he says.
Key results:
AMF index up 0.4%, average price US$4,345/MT
Butter index up 4.5%, average price US$4,263/MT
BMP index down 11.9%, average price US$2,446/MT
Ched index up 0.2%, average price US$4,395/MT
LAC index up 4.4%, average price US$959/MT
RenCas index down 2.6%, average price US$9,717/MT
SMP index down 0.8%, average price US$2,514/MT
SWP index not available, average price not available
WMP index up 2.1%, average price US$2,820/MT
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