MD_DA770 Lactose - Central and Western U.S. Report 19 - Released on May 12, 2022 Lactose prices moved lower at the bottom of the price range, but otherwise held steady. Aside from the shipping challenges, lactose continues to move through most contracts. That said, access to shipping equipment is still a major obstacle, and in a few cases, end users are pushing back on contracts. Industry contacts report a wide range of views of the lactose market. In many cases, lactose inventories are heavy, but also committed. In a few cases, supplies have built up, and the processor finds it necessary to move the lactose out wherever they can. Contacts report 200 mesh lactose is in short supply and heavy demand. Manufacturers also report they get regular inquiries for lactose that meets infant formula requirements. Some think the recent shortage of infant formula in the U.S. has prompted infant formula manufacturers to push production and refill supplies. Processors say bags of lactose are selling well, but totes are more difficult to move, and supplies in totes are readily available. Demand for standardization lactose is mixed and varies depending on end user. Processors are finding it hard to ship standardization lactose to Oceania, and the lower-than-expected milk season has caused some end users to hold back on orders. Lactose production in the U.S. is steady. Prices for: Central and Western U.S., Spot Sales And Up to 3 Month Contracts, F.O.B., Conventional, and Edible Lactose Price Range - Non Pharmaceutical; $/LB: .3100 - .5200 Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; $/LB: .3800 - .4900 Information for the period May 9 - 13, 2022, issued weekly Published by: Dairy Market News - Madison, WI MIKE BANDLI, (608)422-8592 Email: mike.bandli@usda.gov Additional Dairy Market News Information: Dairy Market News (DMN) by Phone: (608)422-8602 DMN Website: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/dairy DMN MARS (My Market News): https://mymarketnews.ams.usda.gov