Skim Milk Powder prices followed a broadly mixed trajectory during the second half of 2025. Through the third quarter, prices initially held at supported levels, benefiting from constrained output in Oceania during the Southern Hemisphere winter and seasonal production dips in the United States. Limited export availability from New Zealand provided near-term tightness, keeping prices relatively firm against the backdrop of softer broader dairy market conditions. Demand from import-dependent markets, however, remained subdued, with Southeast Asian buyers showing cautious procurement behaviour and reduced purchasing activity.
As the quarter drew close, supply conditions shifted materially. Milk production accelerated across multiple major exporting regions simultaneously, including New Zealand, South America, and Europe, channelling significantly greater volumes toward powder manufacturing. This increase in production translated into rising stock levels and downward price pressure entering the fourth quarter. Global auction results reflected this deterioration progressively, with successive declines recorded across key price indices. Buyer participation weakened as importers drew on existing inventories and adopted a measured, needs-based procurement approach. Skim milk powder demonstrated relative resilience compared to other dairy commodities, holding largely stable in certain auction events even as broader dairy prices declined.
Analyst Insight
According to Procurement Resource, skim milk powder prices are expected to remain range bound in the near term, with ample global supply continuing to limit meaningful upside.