After two consecutive auctions with falling prices, the trend on the benchmark GDT dairy auction turned positive again. Most product categories recorded price increases at the 5 May auction, while cheddar and butter declined.

The global dairy market showed renewed signs of strength at the latest auction on the benchmark Global Dairy Trade platform.

Following declines of 3.4 and 2.7 per cent respectively at the two previous auctions in April, the GDT index increased by 1.5 per cent this time, reaching 1214.

The rise was driven by price increases across most traded product categories. Only cheddar and butter recorded declines, falling by 3.6 and 2.6 per cent respectively.

Still above 1200
Although the market has seen fluctuations in recent months, the index remains at a relatively high level.

Exactly one year ago – at the 6 May 2025 auction – the GDT index reached 1344, marking the highest level of the year. The index then declined gradually towards the final auction of the year in December, when it fell to 1008.

At the beginning of 2026, the trend turned positive again, with the index rising at every auction until mid-March. On 17 March, the index peaked at 1273.

The recent declines have therefore not been large enough to push the GDT index below 1200.

By Maja Løvstrup
Sources: Global Dairy Trade, Maskinbladet
Photo: Global Dairy Trade