Amino acids markets: New high lysine prices in Europe with anti-dumping duties
Lysine manufacturers have resumed their price offers, a few weeks after the new EU anti-dumping percentages have been announced. Lysine prices in Europe have increased significantly and the market is finding its way in this new reality. Learn more in this week’s feed additives snapshot (week 2).
Some first business for Q2 is seen at these higher levels. In other regions, lysine is fairly stable in price. Threonine prices are mostly stable, although it is the question what will happen in Europe, now that lysine prices are high and show a very wide spread compared to threonine. And the Chinese manufacturers still have a huge market share in Europe and market participants wonder what China potentially will do with that supply power.
Threonine prices in the USA remain very firm – material is tight and shipments are delayed. Methionine still shows very little movement, other than slow gradual price decline. Availability seems to be good and no nearby change is expected. The EU Commission has also started an anti-dumping investigation for valine from China. The time line still is unknown. But that did trigger the market and prices went up both FOB China but also in the regions. Tryptophan had been stable to weak lately in most regions, but that is slowly turning around now and prices have started to be a bit firmer in some regions.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Anti-dumping Europe
In Europe, the provisional anti-dumping measures will go into force at the latest January 14, 2025. At the same time, the potential retrospective measures back to October 25 2024 are still under the microscope. Most manufacturers have returned to the market with fresh prices. Market prices FOB China have not changed much so far, but prices in Europe for lysine have increased significantly under the new regime. The underlying market and price trend is difficult to see now, as the market is still absorbing the new situation.
Anti-dumping Brazil
In Brazil, an anti-dumping investigation has also been initiated against Chinese lysine. In other regions, lysine prices are mostly stable and demand is good. Prices FOB China have been stable as well for some weeks. Material ex Asia will now be shipped at the soonest in February. The Chinese New Year will start end of January. The market is already mostly contracted for Q1 and a small overlap into Q2.
Threonine
So far the threonine market has been relatively stable on a FOB China basis. In the USA, the market is still firm for specifically threonine granular products. Availability is poor and shipments are delayed. In Europe, the market is stable to slightly firmer, mostly as a result of the current weak Euro against the USD. But especially in Europe, buyers keep a close eye on threonine for Q2. With the recent high import duties on lysine, and China having a 95% plus market share in Europe for threonine, buyers wonder if Chinese suppliers will increase the price. So far, that has not happened yet. Q1 is well contracted and there is some first interest for Q2 now.
DL-Methionine
The overall methionine market is relatively quiet and prices are stable to slightly weak. Availability seems to be fine in all regions. No short-term changes are expected. Q1 is not fully contracted yet.
Tryptophan
At least in Europe, the tryptophan market has been a bit more active and prices have stopped declining. A slight increase has even been seen here and there. In general, looking at all major regions, the market is stable and prices are not really moving. This is after a weaker period recently. Q1 is only partly contracted, but some additional cover is taken now, in for example, Europe.
Valine
In various regions, prices are moving up for Q2 business. FOB China price offers have increased for several regions. The EU Commission has started an official anti-dumping investigation for valine produced in China and imported into the EU. Prices in Europe have increased. Despite the firmer prices, the market is not active. Q1 is contracted and only a small portion of Q2 is contracted.
