Dairy Outlook is a service of FAO’s Markets
and Trade
The FAO Dairy Price Index averaged
137.5 points in November, down 1.7 points (1.2 percent) from October, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline, but remained 11.6 points (9.2 percent) above its value a year ago. In November, international price quotations for skim milk powders fell the
most, reflecting lower import demand, as buyers were well covered for their near-term needs coupled with increased export availabilities in Europe. Whole milk powder prices dropped substantially, principally due to lower buying interest from China, only partially
compensated by higher purchases by Southeast Asian countries. Meanwhile, world butter prices declined on weak import demand, impacted by high retail prices and market uncertainties about consumer purchases in the months ahead. By contrast, international cheese
prices increased, underpinned by a steady import demand and less buoyant export availabilities from leading producing countries in Western Europe.