The amino acids market remains subdued, with stable prices and limited new demand across most products. Buyers have largely contracted for Q1 and are waiting to see post-Chinese new year (CNY) market trends. Suppliers are focused on production adjustments and monitoring the impact of upcoming capacity expansions.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Prices on a FOB China basis remain stable. Stocks in China have been built up for CNY. A main non-Chinese supplier is said to reduce lysine capacity to make room for ramping up smaller amino acids like arginine. Overall, the market is quiet, and a large portion of Q2 is already contracted, and buyers remain on the sidelines to see how the market will evolve after CNY in March.
Threonine
Prices FOB China are stable to slightly weak, although they have remained stable this week. With additional capacity coming online in 2026, some sales pressure is still expected; however, current market prices are historically low and considered unsustainable, according to sources. Q1 is mostly contracted, but Q2 is still mostly open in several regions.
DL-Methionine
Some attempts by suppliers are seen in Asia to increase the price for new business. So far, the market has not reacted to that, and prices have remained relatively stable in most regions so far. The current new demand is not really seen as most buyers have already contracted Q1 and are holding off on Q2 purchases.
Tryptophan
Not a lot of change has been seen in the market currently. Prices remain very low, and despite a desire of suppliers to move away from the low price level, there is still ample supply and no increasing demand. There is strategic cover on Q1, but there is also still significant spot buying seen as buyers are hesitant to take long positions.
Valine
Suppliers continue to report limited volumes available for Q1 and are actively seeking to increase prices for Q2. There is still some momentum seen in several regions for this slightly firmer market, but overall, things have stabilised, and Q1 and a good portion of Q2 are contracted. Buyers want to observe how the market absorbs previously announced capacity expansions and how this may potentially affect prices.
