# Agricultural market and trade trends > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-market-and-trade-trends > Updated: 2026-09-13T14:00:00.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Global economic shifts are impacting agricultural markets, particularly in New Zealand. Initial reports indicate unusual movements in the dairy market, where Skim Milk Powder prices have surpassed Whole Milk Powder prices. Concurrently, rising international demand has been driving higher local meat prices. Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 period, New Zealand sheep and beef farmers are projected to see strong returns, though Beef + Lamb New Zealand warns that profit margins may tighten. While farmgate prices for lamb and beef are forecasted to decrease, and farm expenditure is expected to rise, overall returns are anticipated to remain above the five-year average. In the broader trade landscape, the United States is attempting to expand its market share in the Australian and New Zealand livestock sectors by supplying ingredients such as soybean meal and dried distillers’ grains to support heavy livestock industries. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-13: Agricultural trade and margins shift for NZ and US livestock sectors New Zealand farmers face tightening margins despite strong meat prices, while the U.S. seeks to expand agricultural trade in the region by supplying livestock feed products. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/agricultural-trade-and-margins-shift-for-nz-and-us-livestock-sectors ### 2026-09-12: Global economic trends show rising interest rates and shifting commodity markets Global markets face rising interest rates and shifting commodity trends, with notable movements in New Zealand's dairy and meat sectors and upcoming central bank decisions in the US and Japan. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-economic-trends-show-rising-interest-rates-and-shifting-commodity-markets --- Cite as: Agricultural market and trade trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/agricultural-market-and-trade-trends