USDA Ctrl & West Lactose 07/16 13:35

AMS_1052 MARS

Lactose - Central and West U.S.

Released on July 16, 2026

Lactose prices are unchanged at the bottom of the range and mostly price series 
this week, but prices increased at the top of both. Spot inventories are tight 
and several manufacturers say they have limited or no spot availability during 
Q3. Some market participants are actively looking to secure loads for Q4, but 
most manufacturers say they are not yet pricing out loads for next quarter. 
Domestic demand is steady, and export interest is mixed. Some contacts say high 
prices are discouraging some international purchasers, who are looking to 
alternatives to reduce costs. Other stakeholders report strong demand, as 
European lactose is priced at a premium to loads produced in the U.S. Declining 
milk output is having a negative impact on lactose production.

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: 0.5 - 0.75
Mostly Range - Non Pharmaceutical; Dollars per Pound: 0.59 - 0.71


Information for the period July 13 - 17, 2026, issued weekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

N/A

[0600059B]