USDA Ctrl & West Lactose 02/19 12:10

AMS_1052 MARS

Lactose - Central and West U.S.

Released on February 19, 2026

Lactose prices moved higher across most of the price series, with the top end 
of the range unchanged. Demand continues to exceed supply availability, 
supporting a firm market and tight inventories. Industry contacts anticipate 
second-quarter contract prices to strengthen compared to first-quarter levels. 
Market activity is quieter overall, but prices are steadily trending upward. 
Some contacts report moving spot loads into international markets at lower 
prices this week. Production remains focused on fulfilling existing contracts, 
leaving minimal volumes for spot transactions.

Prices for: Central/West US, Spot Sales And Up to 3 Month Contracts, F.O.B., 
N/A, Edible Lactose
Price Range - Non Pharmaceutical; Dollars per Pound: 0.485 - 0.63
Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; Dollars per Pound: 0.51 - 0.55


Information for the period February 16 - 20, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]