European liquid dairy prices remained elevated throughout September, although market conditions became more mixed toward the end of the month. Raw milk prices stabilised at higher levels, while skimmed milk and skimmed milk concentrate showed greater volatility.
The market was also supported by stronger intra-European Union trade, which helped absorb higher dairy volumes as the seasonal decline in milk production approached.
Raw Milk Prices Stabilise
Raw milk prices remained at relatively high levels during September but showed signs of stabilisation.
The development indicates that the European liquid dairy market maintained much of the price strength seen earlier in the period, even as individual dairy products began to show different market movements.
With the seasonal decline in European milk production approaching, supply conditions could become tighter in the coming period. This seasonal pattern is an important factor for processors and buyers monitoring raw milk availability.
Skimmed Milk Market Becomes More Volatile
Skimmed milk prices experienced greater volatility toward the end of September.
Unlike raw milk, which broadly stabilised at higher levels, the skimmed milk market showed more variable conditions. The source does not provide specific price figures or quantify the size of the movements.
Skimmed milk concentrate (SMC) also experienced volatility during the month. Changes in concentrate pricing can influence the economics of dairy processing and ingredient markets, particularly when milk availability and processing demand are changing seasonally.
SWC Remains Firm
Skimmed whey concentrate (SWC) maintained a firm market position during September.
The continued firmness of SWC contrasted with the more mixed developments in skimmed milk and SMC. This suggests that individual dairy ingredients were responding differently to market conditions despite operating within the same broader European supply environment.
The source does not provide specific SWC prices or trading volumes.
Intra-EU Trade Supports Market Balance
Stronger trade between European Union markets has helped absorb higher dairy volumes during the period.
Improved intra-EU trade is particularly relevant as milk production approaches its seasonal decline. Increased movement of dairy products between European markets can help balance regional differences in supply and demand and reduce pressure from temporarily higher volumes.
The stronger trade activity therefore provides support to the market while European milk production transitions toward its lower seasonal phase.
Seasonal Supply Changes Remain Important
The approaching seasonal decline in milk production is expected to become an increasingly important factor for the European liquid dairy market.
While prices remained elevated in September, the mixed performance across raw milk, skimmed milk, SMC and SWC highlights differences between individual product categories.
Overall, the European liquid dairy market entered the final part of September with prices still at higher levels, supported by firm raw milk values, resilient SWC conditions and stronger intra-EU trade. However, increased volatility in skimmed milk and SMC indicates that market conditions are becoming less uniform.
The coming seasonal reduction in milk production will remain an important factor for supply and pricing across European dairy markets.
