Feed amino acid markets remain volatile, with prices under pressure and cautious buying for upcoming quarters. Strengthening freight and commodity costs, plus market oversupply, are shaping recent trends. Most Q4 contracts are settled, while attention turns to Q1 activity.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Prices are mostly weakening still on a FOB China basis, although especially in Europe, there is a bit more interest for Q1 deliveries this week. The euro is slightly weaker against the USD, soy prices have firmed, and the container freight ex China to Europe has also firmed up recently. This has triggered end users to start inquiring more actively, although with caution, as oversupply persists. A good portion of Q1 is already contracted.
Threonine
After a price increase last week by several suppliers, one of the main suppliers continued to sell at lower prices. But that last one has now also increased FOB China prices, and all suppliers seem aligned this week. Which triggered some inquiries in the regions, but very carefully, as supply is said to be ample still. Threonine prices have become very low. Q1 is already largely contracted.
DL-Methionine
Some suppliers have issued price increases on fresh offers. There has been no significant response from the market, so far, but after a quiet period following the summer, buyers appear to be a bit more alert now. Some production issues are mentioned at a liquid methionine manufacturer. So far, prices have remained stable this week. Q4 is contracted, and neither sellers nor buyers are yet very active for Q1.
Tryptophan
The market has followed a similar pattern for several weeks now, marked by persistent weakness and strong sales pressure. Although some suppliers are now starting to offer more resistance, as the price is getting too low to proceed sustainably. For now, buyers and sellers mostly operate on the spot market, and no long-term contracts have been concluded yet, despite the super-low price. Q4 is mostly contracted.
Valine
After some recent price decline, the market is calmer this week. But the level of activity is also very low in all regions. New capacity is coming online in the coming months/year, which is leading to a careful market on the buyer side. Sellers remain keen to maintain a certain market share. Q4 is contracted, but Q1 is still mostly open.
