Cheese
Class III futures saw a strong rebound with significant gains in May and June contracts, while cheese prices edged higher, despite ongoing U.S.-China tariff tensions impacting dairy markets.
Cheese and Class III futures rallied on stronger spot prices, even as rising trade tensions with China and looming tariffs stirred market uncertainty.
After weeks of heavy spot trade, Monday brought a calmer, mostly green day to dairy markets, with cheese leading the rebound despite ongoing tariff tensions and early futures pressure.
Class III milk futures slipped lower Wednesday as China’s 34% reciprocal tariffs sent shockwaves through whey, soybeans, cattle, energy, and stock markets.
There was red almost across the board today as the market finally got a little clarity around tariffs following yesterday’s announcement.
Global price disparities and anticipation surrounding President Trump’s tariff announcement kept the industry on edge.
After yesterday’s muted session, CME cheese markets had a much busier day today.
Technical difficulties delayed the CME spot trade on Monday, preventing a smooth spot trade.
The U.S. dairy industry, driven by substantial investments and shifting consumer preferences, is poised for significant growth in the coming years.
Across the dairy complex, sellers came armed with product to move and buyers had their checkbooks out.
Dairy farmers are riding a wave of market uncertainty in 2025, with trade battles, feed price swings, and booming cheese production shaking up the industry. Experts Sarina Sharp and Katie Burgess break down the top trends shaping the year ahead.
Class III futures were slightly lower after a spot cheese session that saw large volumes of product change hands.
Manufacturers appear to have ample supply, leading them to the spot market to offload inventory.
Dairy markets do not seem too concerned about U.S. milk production growing at its fastest pace in two years.
A recent agreement reinforces the bond between the dairy industries of the U.S. and Guatemala, fostering growth, and ensuring consumer benefit across borders.
Futures markets had a tame day ahead of USDA’s Milk Production report.
As the first major day of the NCAA March Madness tournament kicked off on Thursday with heroes, upsets and Cinderella teams, markets had their own version.
Low prices triggered buyer interest in spot blocks, which climbed up to $1.6050 per pound, three cents higher, with seven loads trading.
As we navigate the milk market’s changing dynamics in 2025, stakeholders must remain vigilant and proactive.
Class III futures are down again, with May taking the biggest hit, down 25 cents on the day.
There is no doubt there will be significant volatility this year. Politics, equity markets, weather, supply, and demand will all affect the markets
A strong pinch is in order for dairy markets this Saint Patrick’s Day, with no green on the board.
In a significant stride for both the dairy industry and local community development, Hilmar Cheese Company, Inc. recently inaugurated their cheese and whey processing facility in Dodge City, Kansas.
CME cheese markets moved upward. Spot blocks climbed to $1.7350 per pound, up 3 cents, and barrels closed at $1.7300, 6 cents higher.
Last week, the U.S. dollar had the worst week-to-week performance since 1995 and that, combined with global dairy price premiums, should spark some export interest and support domestic prices.
It was a noisy week with tariff uncertainty, and the markets remain on edge to see what next week brings.
U.S. cheese exports got off to a strong start in 2025, with outbound volumes totaling 103 million pounds in January, up 22% (+18 million pounds) on the year.
As we move through 2025, the dairy industry is poised to experience significant transformations. According to Ben Laine, a senior dairy analyst with Terrain, there are three major structural changes that are intricately linked and set to shape the industry’s landscape: federal milk marketing orders, new cheese processing capacity, and trade dynamics.
Cheese and butter are clear deals in the export space — but some traders indicate that tariff uncertainty has given them a reason to pause on what would normally be lucrative purchases.