Tuesday, 15 March 2016 13:55

Supply v demand

Written by 
Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings. Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says dairy exports and imports have been imbalanced for the past 18 months.

He blames this on European production increasing more than expected and lower imports into China and Russia, the two largest importers of dairy.

"The timeframe for a rebalancing has moved out and largely depends on production reducing, particularly in Europe, in response to these unsustainably low global dairy prices. The long term fundamentals for dairy are positive with demand increasing at over 2% a year due to the growing world population, increasing middle classes in Asia, urbanisation and favourable demographics.

"Our forecast is based on no significant changes to either supply or demand globally before the end of the year. However, a reduction in the supply available for export before then could mean prices recover earlier than currently expected," says Spierings.

More like this

Featured

IrrigationNZ warns RMA reform may miss water needs

Irrigation NZ is warning that the government's Resource Management Act (RMA) reform risks falling short of its objectives unless water use for food production and water storage infrastructure are clearly recognised in the goals at the top of the new system.

National

Trev Integrates with LIC MINDA

Farm software outfit Trev has released new integrations with LIC, giving farmers a more connected view of animal performance across…

Machinery & Products

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Happy Days

OPINION: The good news keeps getting better for NZ dairy farmers.

Begging Bowl

OPINION: With export of livestock by sea dead in the water, opponents of the Gene Technology Bill think they can…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter