Global amino acid markets are facing renewed downward pressure, with prices for lysine, threonine, and tryptophan dropping to historically low levels. Oversupply and cautious buyer behaviour dominate the landscape, while regional dynamics like anti-dumping measures add complexity. Despite some stability in valine and methionine, the overall tone remains subdued.
Lysine
After a period of relative stabilisation, at an already low price level, the market has been weakening further in almost all regions. Only the US market has its own dynamics with pending tariff discussions and anti-dumping investigations. The market is, in general, heavily oversupplied, and suppliers are fighting for market share. FOB China prices have reached an all-time low and are at or under the cost price level. Q3 and a portion of Q4 are contracted, but buyers remain very careful.
Threonine
In most regions, threonine prices have started to decline further after a period of stability and already low prices. The overall market is oversupplied, and there is significant sales pressure amongst most suppliers to move stock. Q3 and a portion of Q4 are contracted, but most buyers remain very careful and conservative and don’t take long-term positions.
DL-Methionine
Prices are fluctuating slightly, depending on the region, but within a narrow range. Suppliers are are reluctant to reduce prices further, and a series of plant maintenance is carried out during and just after the summer. Yet, the market seems well supplied, and the buyers calm, with no reports of delays in supply or shortages in stock. Q3 and a portion of Q4 are contracted.
Tryptophan
Earlier this year, prices stabilised and were even slightly firmer in several regions, as suppliers offered more and more resistance against further price decline. But as supply is ample, prices have started to drop again recently and are already moving at a very low level. Q3 is contracted, and a small portion of Q4 as well. But the market is very quiet at the moment.
Valine
While most amino acids are currently declining in price, valine seems to hold relatively steady, although at a very low price level based on FOB China. In Europe, provisional anti-dumping measures have been communicated, and the market has absorbed and stayed calm. The price spread between China and the West has narrowed and seems stable. Q3 and a portion of Q4 are contracted already, and there is no hurry to take long-term positions at this stage.
