Amino acid markets remain largely stable, with oversupply keeping prices subdued across most products. Freight rates and some regional supply disruptions are driving cautious spot demand, especially in Europe. Buyers are holding off on decisions as Q1 contracts are largely secured.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Prices FOB China have again remained the same at a very low level. Suppliers are currently unwilling to lower prices further. Step by step, the S&D balance is starting to restore itself, although still delicate and leaning towards oversupply, and raw material prices are not lowering further. Container freight rates have started to increase on several trade lanes as there is a pull forward of December shipments. Most market participants do not anticipate significant further declines, although they are still very conservative. In the coming weeks, some lysine buffering in China is likely as we approach the Chinese New Year. In several regions, a large portion of Q1 is already under contract, and buyers are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Threonine
Prices FOB China for threonine have come down again and remain under pressure. Products like lysine are only offered now in a combination with threonine to trigger threonine sales further. While some buyers are beginning to anticipate the second quarter and beyond, it is still early in the decision-making process due to the current oversupplied and weak market.
DL-Methionine
The market remains quiet with stable prices across most regions, although there is a slightly softer sentiment noted in Europe for spot and additional business for the fourth quarter. Activity levels continue to be low as contracts for Q4 are largely in place, and engagement for Q1 has yet to begin from both sellers and buyers.
Tryptophan
Especially in Europe, the market has stopped going down for now and is even firming a bit for spot deliveries. This is caused by one of the main suppliers claiming to be short of material and facing significant shipment delays. This has triggered some spot inquiries as the market was only covered forward for a relatively small portion, as prices came down a lot recently. In other regions, the availability seems to be still fine. Prices had gradually decreased over an extended period, reaching their lowest point in over 10 years. Q4 and a portion of Q1 are now contracted.
Valine
The market in Europe became a bit nervous as one of the main valine suppliers indicated that it has only limited stock left, as pending shipments are delayed quite significantly. Prices have been stable at a low level for some time, and there was some cover into Q1, but nothing significant. Now buyers are triggered to secure some spot or Q1 gaps. Price went up slightly in Europe. In other regions, no impact has been seen so far. Looking ahead, the anticipated increase in new capacity expected to come online in 2026 is likely to play a significant role in influencing future price trends.
