Amino acid market heating up in US, but cooling down in Europe

Threonine markets have cooled down in terms of buying activity and prices are more stable, also on a FOB China basis. Although at a higher price level compared to some weeks ago. Methionine has become quiet in most regions and is contracted forward into Q2. But availability for nearby remains sensitive. Tryptophan is weakening in for example China and stable to slightly weak in other regions. Valine is mostly stable at the moment.

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Lysine

Until last week, the lysine market was very active and prices increased every week. Europe has become quieter, but in some Asian regions and the US, the market is active and prices are firm. During the price run-up, forward contracts were booked for Q2 and a portion of Q3. Since the price increased quite rapidly, buyers are also getting cautious and want to see first if this firmer trend is going to stick. There is still a tight situation in terms of availability for nearby deliveries in the local regions as ships ex-China are being delayed continuously. A good portion of Q2 is contracted by now and a small portion of Q3 as well.

Threonine

Compared to the previous week, the market, for example, in Europe has turned relatively quiet, while there is still buying activity seen in Asia and the US. Prices have increased in several regions, and on a FOB China basis. Suppliers are trying to move away from the low price levels. FOB prices in China have become stable, at a higher level compared to some weeks ago though. And some forward cover into Q2 is taken by now. So overall the market feels quieter. Buyers have been contracting for a portion of Q2. Q3 is still mostly open.

DL-Methionine

In almost all regions, the market has gone quiet and is contracted forward. This is after a period of volatility and price increases. It is still a fragile situation as nearby availability remains tight and no nearby (next 1-2 months) relief is expected due to reduced output at some key suppliers. Prices are mostly stable and still higher compared to some months ago. In some regions, a small decline in spot prices was seen. A good portion of Q2 is contracted by now and several buyers have also contracted their full Q2 needs.

Tryptophan

Apart from the US and Europe, the tryptophan market seems to have a weak tone to it. For example, FOB China prices have weakened compared to previous weeks and new demand is not there at the moment. In other regions, the price is staying stable for now. A portion of Q2 has been contracted by now.

Valine

The valine market has gone quiet in most regions. Some Q2 buying was seen until last week, but currently, no transactions reported. Prices are low and are currently stable. The ongoing price decline in FOB China seems to have stopped for now. The whole amino acids market has been firmer in previous weeks and therefore buyers in several regions decided to cover a part of Q2 recently.