The amino acid market remains subdued despite recent price movements and contracting activity. While lysine saw brief supplier action, most markets—including threonine, methionine, tryptophan, and valine—are quiet and stable. Q4 contracting is underway, though gaps persist, especially in Europe.
Lysine
Late last week, there was some activity in the market as suppliers started to withdraw offers or tried to increase prices. This led to some Q4 and partially Q1 contracting as prices are at an all-time low. But a real run on material was not seen, and by now the market is very calm again and in a wait-and-see mode. Most of Q4 is contracted by now, although in Europe, some significant gaps are still seen.
Threonine
Despite already very low prices, the market continues to be weak, and buyers remain mostly on the sidelines. With already very low container rates on key trade lanes and, for example, a favourable EUR-USD rate, one could wonder if/when the end is in sight. For now, the market is super quiet, and by now a significant portion of Q4 is contracted, but not all of it.
DL-Methionine
Despite the resistance of suppliers to lower prices and the several plant maintenance programs that are being carried out, the market price is not really moving. In some regions, there has been a small increase in price, but overall, it is stable and very quiet. Q4 is partly contracted.
Tryptophan
The overall tryptophan market is weak, and prices have been coming down slightly over the past few weeks and hovering at a low level. There is oversupply in most regions. No changes in the short-term are expected. Q4 is mostly uncontracted.
Valine
After a long period of price decline, the valine prices seem to have stabilised at a low level. In Europe, the provisional anti-dumping measures have led to a smaller price spread between Chinese and Western origins. Overall, the market is very quiet, and there is no hurry to book significant Q4 volumes.
