USDA Oceania Cheddar Cheese 03/26 09:55

AMS_1082 MARS

Cheese - Oceania

Released on March 26, 2026

Cheddar cheese prices in Oceania increased at the bottom of the range and held 
firm at the top. Processor prices rose compared to last month but remain 
slightly below year ago levels. February export activity improved from last 
year, supported by steady to slightly stronger demand. Firm global interest 
continued to support the market, while domestic values held steady amid 
seasonally lower milk output.

Cheddar prices were mixed across all contract periods at Global Dairy Trade 
(GDT) Event 400. Total volume sold was similar to both Event 399 and to Event 
376 held a year earlier. The near term April contract increased 0.9 percent but 
represented the smallest volume traded. May and June accounted for 64 percent 
of all cheddar sold, with price indices edging down 0.1 percent and 1.0 
percent, respectively. The Middle East was the leading buyer of cheddar, 
followed by Southeast Asia/Oceania and Africa.

Prices for: Oceania, 39% Maximum Moisture, Free on Board - Port Cheese
Price Range - Dollars per Metric Ton: 4850 - 4975


Information for the period March 16 - 27, 2026, issued biweekly

Secondary Sourced Information:

Recently released export data from New Zealand showed February 2026 cheese 
export volumes were 37,759 metric tons, a decrease of 1.1 percent from the year 
prior. Export volumes of cheese from January-February 2026 were 77,296 metric 
tons, up 1.0 percent from the same time frame a year ago.

The average cheddar price index across all contract periods at GDT Event 400 on 
March 17, 2026, rose to $4,925 per metric ton, a 0.1 percent increase from the 
previous event. The April contract averaged $4,975 per metric ton, with its 
index rising 0.9 percent. Additional cheddar pricing details are available at 
https://www.globaldairytrade.info/en/product-results/cheddar/.

[0600059B]