Skim Milk Powder prices followed a broadly mixed trajectory during the second quarter of 2025. Early in the quarter, prices moved higher, supported by a resurgence in export market demand. Buyers in South America, particularly Brazil, actively replenished stock levels, contributing to improved offtake from Oceania origins. The conclusion of the Ramadan period across Muslim-majority markets in Asia and Africa, combined with the onset of the ice cream production season, provided additional demand support during this phase.
However, market conditions shifted considerably as the quarter advanced. A sharp surge in milk production across major exporting nations, led by New Zealand, created significant supply pressure that gradually overwhelmed demand. Offered volumes at key global dairy auctions rose considerably, reflecting inventory accumulation driven by the disconnect between accelerating production and softer export demand. European skim milk powder became less competitive in international markets as currency appreciation deterred foreign buyers. Chinese import patterns also shifted structurally, with buyers increasing purchases of skim milk powder while reducing whole milk powder volumes, though this provided insufficient support to offset the broader supply-driven weakness.