USDA Ctrl & West Lactose 05/14 12:40

AMS_1052 MARS

Lactose - Central and West U.S.

Released on May 14, 2026

Lactose prices strengthened this week, with the mostly range rising on both 
ends and the bottom of the price range also moving higher. Inventories remain 
tight, and contacts report improving demand in recent weeks, pushing spot 
values toward $0.70. Inventory is limited, with some contacts having no 
capacity to take on new customers, as current demand remains strong. Most spot 
sales are at or above the average of the mostly price. Some contacts expect a 
mild softening later in the year, but no significant downturn. Monthly lactose 
contracts for May settled in the mid-to-upper $0.60s. Strong international 
values, with prices in the $0.70s, continue to support the U.S. market. Q3 
contracts are expected to land in the mid-to-upper $0.60s, with Q3 spot loads 
likely near $0.70. Export demand to Mexico is strong, and market sentiment 
remains bullish given tight supply. Some contacts note difficulty selling into 
China at current price levels. Overall, the market tone is firm.

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: 0.46 - 0.68
Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; Dollars per Pound: 0.55 - 0.63


Information for the period May 11 - 15, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]