The European WPC80 market has shifted from steady to significantly tight within weeks, as large volume purchases have cleared available supply through the end of the year. Western European producers are now quoting prices above €12,500/mt, while Eastern European WPC can still be sourced around €12,000/mt, but availability is becoming increasingly limited.

The rapid market tightening follows substantial buying activity over recent weeks, leaving most producers already sold out for Q4. According to the latest Vesper Price Index (22/10/2025), EU WPC80 instant prices increased to €12,400 ($14,394/mt or $6.53/lb) EXW, while US prices reached €11,584 ($13,448/mt or $6.10/lb) EXW.

Buyers face resistance to elevated prices

Several buyers had anticipated lower WPC80 prices due to weakness across other dairy categories, creating resistance to the current elevated price levels. However, the supply-demand balance for whey protein concentrates remains much tighter than other dairy products, leaving limited room for prices to decline despite broader market softness.

The price differential between US and European WPC80 has also narrowed significantly, making it no longer profitable for US suppliers to offer material into European markets, a shift that further constrains European supply options.

US producers shift capacity to WPI production

In the United States, many producers have begun switching production capacity from WPC80 to WPI where possible, driven by an unusually high price spread between the two products. US WPI prices have reached €20,320 ($23,589/mt or $10.70/lb) EXW, compared to €11,584/mt for WPC80, creating substantially better margins for WPI production.

This production shift is reducing WPC80 availability in the US market even as cheese production remains strong, creating additional pressure on global supply.

Market outlook

Prices are expected to increase further in the near term, though the ceiling may be approaching. While the current supply-demand balance supports higher prices, questions remain about sustained demand if consumer prices continue rising. For Q4, procurement teams face limited availability at elevated price levels, with little indication of near-term relief in supply constraints.



This newsarticle is part of a more comprehensive whey market analysis. For the full analysis, visit: https://app.vespertool.com/market-analysis/2382