Amino acids markets: Europe officially implements anti-dumping duties
Provisional lysine anti-dumping duties in Europe now implemented. Plus potential disruption in Chinese methionine plant. Learn more in this week’s feed additives snapshot (week 3).
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Today the provisional anti-dumping duties have been officially implemented in Europe, for Chinese origin. Offers for Q2 have already been raised in price in Europe, reflecting the new price reality. Business is slow, although gaps in the pipeline and reduced availability are expected for early Q2. FOB China prices have been slightly weaker this week and prices in the USA are stable to firm still. The market is already mostly contracted for Q1 and a small overlap into Q2.
Threonine
The threonine market has shown relative stability on a FOB China basis. In the USA, demand remains strong for threonine granular products but the availability is poor and shipments delayed. In Europe, the market has stabilised this week, with the impact of the weak euro against the dollar already reflected in prices. Across most regions, participants are adopting a wait-and-see approach, with Q1 contracts secured and some coverage emerging for Q2.
DL-Methionine
Recent reports indicate a disruption in the supply of a key raw material for methionine production at a facility in China, although the full extent of the situation remains unclear. In response, some methionine suppliers have modified their pricing strategies or temporarily retracted their offers to assess market conditions. As of now, several regions have not experienced any substantial effects from this development, and additional information may emerge later this week. Q1 is mostly contracted, but Q2 is under review still.
Tryptophan
The tryptophan market in Europe still shows some signs of increased activity, with prices stabilising after a period of decline and even a few instances of slight increases. Overall, across all major regions, the market remains stable, with prices holding steady following a recent downturn. Most of Q1 is contracted by now, and some buyers look into contracting early Q2 as well.
Valine
In multiple regions, prices are rising for the second quarter, with FOB China price offers seeing an uptick as well. The EU Commission has initiated a formal anti-dumping investigation regarding valine produced in China and imported into the EU, leading to increased prices in Europe. However, despite these higher prices, market activity remains sluggish, with Q1 contracts already in place and only a limited portion of Q2 business contracted.
