USDA Oceania Cheddar Cheese 01/29 11:30

AMS_1082 MARS

Cheese - Oceania

Released on January 29, 2026

Oceania cheddar cheese prices fell slightly at the lower end of the price range 
but held firm at the top of the range. An increase in export volumes and weaker 
export demand combined to erode export prices. Domestic prices held firm, 
however, due to lower production as milk output declines seasonally. 

In contrast to the price increases seen for other products at GDT event 396, 
cheddar cheese prices fell across all contract periods for which product was 
available. Demand was mixed, and the volume of cheddar cheese sold increased 
from event 395, likely influencing the price decreases. The Southeast 
Asia/Oceania region was the largest buyer of cheddar cheese at event 396, 
followed by the North Asia region.

Prices for: Oceania, 39% Maximum Moisture, Free on Board - Port Cheese
Price Range - Dollars per Metric Ton: 4550 - 4700


Information for the period January 19 - 30, 2026, issued biweekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

During GDT event 396 on January 20, 2026, the average price for cheddar across 
all contract periods was $4,594 per metric ton, corresponding to a 1.4 percent 
decrease in the cheddar price index from the prior event. The average price for 
the February contract was $4,594 per metric ton, with the February price index 
down 1.5 percent. More information on cheddar prices at the most recent event 
can be found at https://www.globaldairytrade.info/en/product-results/cheddar/.

Dairy Australia recently released export data for Australia showing cheddar 
cheese export volumes from July - November 2025 totaled 11,864 metric tons, a 
decrease of 2.5 percent compared to export volume totals from July - November 
2024. Other cheese export volumes from July - November 2025 totaled 59,783 
metric tons, an increase of 8.8 percent compared to export volume totals from 
July - November 2024.

Recently released export data from New Zealand showed December 2025 cheese 
export volumes were 41,141 MT, an increase of 10.0 percent from the year prior. 
Export volumes of cheese in 2025 were 416,289 MT, up 11.2 percent from 2024.

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