Dairy prices on GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) continued to fall across all key commodity products with the GDT Price Index decreasing by 23% from April–June 2015 (Q2). This compares with the 16% increase in the previous quarter (Q1 2015).
The GDT quarterly said the whole milk powder (WMP) average price decreased by 12.8% and skimmed milk powder (SMP) decreased by 19.7% from Q1 to Q2 2015. Over the same period, butter and butter milk powder (BMP) experienced the largest decrease in average price of 22% and 26% respectively.
GDT director Eric Hansen said the dairy sector is experiencing a time of low seasonal supply and low demand, but buyer participation on GDT continues to be healthy with normal levels of product clearance.
“Despite ongoing weak demand for globally traded dairy commodities, GDT cleared 98% of the quantity offered during auctions in Q2. The auction continues to attract bidders generating competition for the products on offer.”
In Q2, 154,400 tonnes of product was sold on the auction platform, valued at US$390 million.
“The average supply of 26,000 tonnes per auction during Q2 was much the same as the previous quarter. These relatively low quantities reflect the normal seasonal cycle experienced in New Zealand.”
“We were pleased to see Arla Foods Ingredients’ introduction of lactose to the platform in Q2, which has provided price transparency for this important product group. We look forward to further expansion of sellers and products on offer as the year progresses,” Hansen said.
