USDA Oceania Cheddar Cheese 03/12 10:30

AMS_1082 MARS

Cheese - Oceania

Released on March 12, 2026

Cheddar cheese prices in Oceania increased across the full price range. 
Processor prices strengthened compared to last month but remain slightly below 
year ago levels. January export activity improved, driven by stronger demand 
from China. Firm global demand supported the market, while domestic values held 
steady amid seasonally lower milk output.

Cheddar prices rose across all contract periods at Global Dairy Trade (GDT) 
Event 399. Total volume sold declined from Event 398 but was similar to year 
ago levels. The near term April contract increased 4.0 percent but represented 
the smallest volume sold. May and June accounted for 64 percent of all cheddar 
traded, with price indexes up 5.3 percent and 4.4 percent respectively. 
Southeast Asia/Oceania remained the top buying region, followed by Africa.

Prices for: Oceania, 39% Maximum Moisture, Free on Board - Port Cheese
Price Range - Dollars per Metric Ton: 4800 - 4975


Information for the period March 2 - 13, 2026, issued biweekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

Dairy Australia recently released export data for Australia showing cheddar 
cheese export volumes from July 2025 - January 2026 totaled 15,436 metric tons, 
a decrease of 11.9 percent compared to export volume totals from July 2024 - 
January 2025. Other cheese export volumes from July 2025 - January 2026 totaled 
81,104 metric tons, an increase of 1.2 percent compared to export volume totals 
from July 2024 - January 2025.

The average cheddar price index across all contract periods at GDT Event 399 on 
March 3, 2026, settled at $4,920 per metric ton, a 4.3 percent increase from 
the previous event. The April contract averaged $4,955 per metric ton, with its 
index rising 4.0 percent. Additional cheddar pricing details are available at 
https://www.globaldairytrade.info/en/product-results/cheddar/.

[0600059B]