Amino acids markets: Lysine hcl & threonine price declines halted as market turns around
The amino acids market is experiencing a shift, with price trends turning around across several key products. After a period of decline, certain markets are seeing stabilisation or even modest increases in prices, driven by supply-demand dynamics, regional variations, and strategic moves by suppliers. Below is an overview of the latest developments in the lysine, threonine, DL-methionine, tryptophan, and valine markets, highlighting the changes and outlook for the coming months (week 11).
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
The recent price decline in several regions has come to a stop and in Europe, for example, the market is showing a slight increase in prices. Since Chinese New Year, the market in China for lysine hcl powder has been very weak and suppliers have been fighting for market share. Prices in several regions have come down significantly as a result of that. Last week several suppliers stopped offering lysine hcl and that has led to more demand; stabilising to slightly increasing prices in several regions. Lysine prices in the USA have remained stable until now. Q1 is contracted and a decent portion of Q2 is as well. Especially in Europe stocks are low in March and April due to a gap in the pipeline for import.
Threonine
After weeks of price decline, the FOB China prices reached a relatively very low level. This low level finally triggered buying activity. Last week Chinese suppliers sold significant volumes of threonine and after that decided to temporarily stop offering. The market is now waiting for this week’s new price policy for late April and May shipments. Q1 is contracted but Q2 is still open for a small portion.
DL-Methionine
Most suppliers have been firm on the price lately. Either by price increase announcements or stricter volume allocation.
In some cases that has led to slightly firmer prices, although it depends really on the region. In Europe, there is a small price increase seen but mostly offset now by the stronger euro against the USD. In other regions, the market prices have remained largely stable. Contracts for the first quarter are firmly in place, and by now a good portion of Q2 is contracted as well.
Tryptophan
Prices have stabilised across most regions, with Europe even experiencing a modest decline in market prices. In China, there has been a slight softening in prices over the past few weeks, accompanied by a limited number of reported transactions. Most contracts for the first quarter have been secured, and some buyers have also locked in a portion of their second-quarter needs when prices were relatively firmer earlier in the year.
Valine
Mixed price action is seen in various regions. In China, FOB export prices have recently declined slightly, while for example in Europe the price is increasing step by step as availability is getting tighter under the announced anti-dumping investigation. In the United States, prices remain consistent due to a healthy local supply. Contracts for the first quarter and a significant portion of the second quarter have already been secured.
