MD_DA770

     Lactose - Central and Western U.S.

     Report 7 - Released on February 13, 2020


     The bottom of the lactose mostly price series moved higher, while the price range remained
     unchanged. Many market participants suggest that the market tone for lactose is firming.
     Manufacturers report getting regular inquiries from buyers looking for more lactose, or
     trying to get some Q2 business booked early. Processors suggest inventories are tight. Much
     of the lactose on hand is spoken for, committed to contracts. Production is steady to
     higher. Some contacts think that lactose production may increase in the upcoming months due
     to more plant capacity coming online and some processors making more of the higher whey
     protein concentrations. Industry contacts are watching the coronavirus epidemic closely. The
     disease has already made shipping into China more difficult. But lactose market participants
     are unsure what impacts on the world economy the disease may produce.


     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:                .2400 - .4000
     Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; $/LB:               .2800 - .3300


     Information for the period February 10 - 14, 2020, issued weekly

     Secondary Sourced Information:

     U.S. Lactose Exports, H.S. Code 1702110000(FAS)
                      2019 Exports      % Change From
                      (Million Lb.)       1 Year Ago

     DECEMBER Total           49.1           + 3

     TOTAL, JAN-DEC          646.7           - 4
      1 Mexico               104.5           + 18
      2 China                100.7           - 33
      3 New Zealand           88.1           ---
      4 Japan                 73.7           - 5
      5 Singapore             37.1           + 8




     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