NDM - CENTRAL: Low/medium heat NDM prices pushed higher in all facets this week. Trading activity was busy, as some contacts suggest this week could be the last hoorah of 2021 as more buyers/sellers are expected to take some time off beginning next week. Condensed skim availability is tighter than some contacts expected. Therefore, due to that and a growing number of extenuating factors like staffing shortages and freight problems, nonfat dry milk production and availability is limited.

NDM - WEST: Contacts report that strong prices for skim milk powder in international markets have aided in pushing prices for NDM higher. Demand for low/medium heat NDM is steady in domestic markets. Export demand is strong, as purchasers from Mexico are buying loads to meet current market demand. Spot inventories of low/medium heat NDM are tight in the region. Production of low/medium heat NDM is steady, though some drying operations are, reportedly, running below capacity due to regional labor shortages. High heat NDM prices are higher across both ends of the range.

NDM - EAST: ELow/medium heat NDM prices moved higher. Trading activity in the East was quiet to moderate, but still busier than in previous weeks. Contacts say supply has begun to clearly lag demand, and it is a seller’s market. Condensed skim availability has been somewhat steady, but contacts are saying expectations of growing condensed skim supplies have not been realized. High heat NDM trading was somewhat active in the Northeast, as prices moved higher. There could be a slow-down in upcoming weeks, as traders and market actors take time off for the end-of-year holidays.