DCA Benchmarks: Powder market commentary week 30

Sentiment across the powder market was generally positive in week 30 (July 23), with most benchmarks reporting increases despite a subdued trading activity. SMP, whey powders, and lactose all strengthened, while WMP declined and FFMP remained broadly stable. Lactose continued to stand out as the strongest-performing benchmark, supported by sustained gains over both the past month and year. Market participants pointed to tighter milk availability following the late-June heatwaves, together with firmer futures markets and expectations of renewed buying interest from the Middle East, as factors supporting prices in the powder segment.