The amino acid markets continue to experience dynamic shifts, with pricing and supply patterns evolving across key products. Recent legal actions, supply chain disruptions, and supplier strategies are shaping regional developments. Market participants are closely watching trends as contracts for upcoming quarters are secured.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
In Europe, the French amino acid manufacturer that previously initiated the anti-dumping (AD) case against Chinese lysine producers has now filed another complaint. This action comes as prices in Europe have continued to decline following the implementation of the initial AD measures. Despite these legal actions, the market maintained a bullish tone after several rounds of price increases from all suppliers. However, this week, trading activity has begun to stabilize, as most contracts for the second quarter and a significant portion of the third quarter have already been secured. Market participants are now closely monitoring developments and waiting to see how prices will be affected after the Chinese New Year holidays.
Threonine
Recently, prices have strengthened and market activity has increased. Consequently, all suppliers have announced price increases. Buyers had delayed their purchases for late Q1 and beyond, anticipating further price declines, which resulted in limited forward cover. The unexpected rise in prices prompted buyers to secure significant coverage for Q2 and parts of Q3, leading to higher prices across nearly all regions.
DL-Methionine
The market is in a strong wait-and-see phase, and prices are mostly stable. Suppliers are attempting to raise prices, especially in Asia; however, the market has not responded so far. Furthermore, new capacity is anticipated to come online. Q1 and a small overlap into Q2 is contracted, but nothing further yet.
Tryptophan
After a long period of stable to weaker prices, at a very low price level, the market has been more active recently, and prices have started to strengthen. Suppliers had already started to offer significant resistance against any further price decline and recently started to reduce volume and announce increased prices. After some delay, the market has started to react to that and cover forward for Q2 and even a portion of Q3.
Valine
One of the main non-Chinese suppliers experienced significant supply chain delays, leading to depleted stocks across the region. Chinese suppliers are gradually filling the gap, but their pace remains slow, as they are also aiming for higher prices. Buyers have initially remained on the sidelines as they expected the increase to be short-lived. But recently, forward cover has been taken for Q2 and even a portion of Q3.
