Market View

A volatile start to 2026 has put global dairy markets back in the spotlight, with a sharp lift in the latest GlobalDairyTrade auction offering some early-year optimism for farmers.

In this episode, Anne Lee speaks with Stu Davison from HighGround Dairy to unpack what’s behind the 6.3% rebound in the GDT index after a prolonged run of declines. Stu explains how aggressive buying from the Middle East, shifting oil prices and heightened geopolitical tension have combined to drive short-term support across powders and milk fats, despite global milk supply continuing to run hot.

In this episode, Sheryl Haitana speaks with Cristina Alvarado, Head of Dairy Insights at NZX, and Stu Davison, Analyst at HighGround Dairy. Cristina outlines the factors behind strong global dairy prices, including tight supply and steady demand from China and Southeast Asia, while Stu highlights forecasted milk production growth driven by the US, Argentina, and New Zealand.

They discuss uncertainties around Chinese demand, emerging markets like Nigeria, and the impact of upcoming tariff decisions. Together, they provide a concise outlook on key trends shaping the dairy market in 2025.

World dairy producers, including New Zealand, have seen a steady milk supply but prices are failing to set a firm direction, Amy Castleton writes.

March saw export dairy markets pared back after gains in January and February, Alex Winning reports.

By Stuart Davison.