Amino acids market update: Price trends and key developments
The amino acids market is experiencing a shift in price trends across various regions, with some key changes in lysine, threonine, DL-methionine, tryptophan, and valine prices. After a period of declines, prices for certain amino acids, such as lysine and threonine, are showing early signs of stabilisation or increase. Maintenance announcements from major manufacturers are also adding an element of uncertainty, particularly for DL-methionine. While some regions like Europe remain stable, others, like the USA, are seeing firmer pricing. As Q2 contracts are mostly finalized, the market is bracing for potential fluctuations in Q3.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Prices FOB China have stopped declining and are now slowly starting to increase. There is a desire from manufacturers to increase prices, and the first signs of price increase are now seen in the local Chinese market. Other regions are under observation now and for example Europe is still stable. In the USA the prices are already firmer for imported products ex China. Q2 is mostly contracted by now.
Threonine
Price offers fob China still have a firmer tone, after a period of strong decline earlier this year. Prices in China have moved up a few cents but for example, Europe remains stable as the increase in China is being offset by a stronger EUR against the USD. In general, prices are still very low. In several regions that has triggered Q2 buying and even some Q3 buying. Q2 is mostly contracted and a good portion of Q3 is as well.
DL-Methionine
One of the main manufacturers has announced an optimisation of a European production facility, leading to an 8-10 week shutdown from May/July 2025. Another manufacturer has announced summer plant maintenance. So far, the market has remained stable and relatively quiet. Q2 is mostly contracted by now.
Tryptophan
No changes are seen in the tryptophan market, compared to the previous week. Prices FOB China have been a bit weaker lately and also in Europe a slight price decline is seen, although that is mostly driven by imports at a lower EUR price due to the EUR-USD rates last weeks. Stable and relatively quiet market and Q2 is mostly contracted.
Valine
Prices in China are stable to weak, while prices in other regions are moving in the opposite direction, and are stable to firmer. Prices in the USA are mostly stable and even a bit firmer due to increased import duties. In Europe prices remain firmer compared to some months ago and there is a wide price spread seen between Chinese and Western origin due to the ongoing anti-dumping investigation in Europe. Most of Q2 is contracted and a small portion of Q3 as well.
