6 November 2017, 06:00, Livestock

FAO Dairy Price Index down 9.4 points in October

The FAO Dairy Price Index averaged 214.8 points in October, down 9.4 points (4.2 percent) from September and marking the first drop since May 2017.

At that level, the index was 32 points (17.5 percent) above its value in October 2016, but 22 percent below its peak reached in February 2014.

"International quotations for butter, skim milk powder (SMP) and whole milk powder (WMP) eased in October, while those of cheese remained more stable. Butter and WMP prices fell as importers held back on purchases, awaiting arrival of new supplies from Oceania. Low demand and ample intervention stocks in the EU hastened the decline of SMP prices. A balanced cheese market contributed to more stable cheese quotations," analysts note.

Earlier it was reported that export of dairy products from Ukraine in July 2017 in monetary terms amounted to US$ 23.6 million, which is 5 times more than in July 2016.