MD_DA770 Lactose - Central and Western U.S. Report 35 - Released on August 27, 2020 Lactose prices are mostly unchanged but moved slightly higher at the top of the price range. That said, industry contacts note a tinge of uncertainty in the market. Buyers, believing that lower prices are coming, are holding off on making purchases and are hesitant to lock in Q4 contracts. But some processors are pressing customers to finish contracts. They maintain that stocks are committed through the end of the quarter and securing upcoming contracts is the only way buyers can assure lactose coverage for the end of the year. Lactose demand has slowed as buyers and sellers wrestle with Q4 negotiations. Manufacturers have secured initial Q4 contracts at prices comparable to Q3 contract prices but are now facing resistance from buyers. End users say there are more offers available in the market. They are seeing more lactose from the EU enter the market as well. Lactose production 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: .4000 - .6400 Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; $/LB: .4450 - .5800 Information for the period August 24 - 28, 2020, 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