USDA Ctrl & West Lactose 06/04 13:35

AMS_1052 MARS

Lactose - Central and West U.S.

Released on June 04, 2026

Lactose prices held steady this week. Inventories remain tight, demand is 
strong across domestic and export markets, and spot prices continue to firm. 
Some contacts note that production is behind across all mesh sizes, leaving no 
spot availability through July and August. June 100-mesh contracts are reported 
in the low to mid $0.60s. Q3 contracts range from the upper $0.50s to the low 
$0.70s with some contacts noting that most buyers are renewing steady Q3 
volumes. Some discounted off-specification product moved recently. Several 
contacts report that Q3 contract expectations have risen several cents above 
the current average of the mostly price. Domestic demand is strong from the 
Midwest. Export interest is solid, with premiums achievable in some 
destinations and New Zealand continues to pull significant volumes for 
standardization. Some Mexican buyers are limiting purchases due to higher 
prices, though U.S. lactose remains well below EU levels and competitive into 
Asia. Contacts note several customers are evaluating milk permeate as a 
substitute, which is currently priced in the mid to upper $0.40s. Overall, the 
market tone remains constrained by limited supply and high demand.

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 - 0.72
Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; Dollars per Pound: 0.55 - 0.63


Information for the period June 1 - 5, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]