European milk supply was down 1.47% compared with the same month last year, as shown by August figures available for all EU countries except Cyprus.

As previously reported, tightening supplies are observed across western Europe except in Spain.

According to figures compiled by the European Commission for other major producing regions, Oceania is also cutting back as it enters its peak producing season. New Zealand’s August supply was down 2.7% year-on-year, and Australia was 9.3% behind last year.

Argentina is also reported to have seen a drop in production.

Only the US is continuing to buck the trend, with August supply showing a steady 1.9% year-on-year increase. This is the first time US farmers have produced more than 8bn litres in August.

Overall, supply from the main milk exporters was estimated to be down more than 1% compared with August 2015.

Read more

GDT bounces back slightly after latest auction