Vitamin markets: Currently very quiet
After some volatile months for vitamins, things start to become really quiet and are settling down. Learn more in this week’s feed additives snapshot (week 42)
Both vitamin A and E are weakish and there is no significant activity seen at all. Buyers are contracted ahead and have no interest to do anything now. Prices for both products remain very high though. Vitamin D3 500 remains firmly priced but the availability seems slightly better now. Vitamin B3 has stabilised after a period of price increase. Vitamin C manufacturers have increased prices and that has triggered some market activity and especially on a FOB China basis, prices have increased slightly. In other regions not that much change is seen yet.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Vitamin E 50%
Extremely quiet market and prices are coming down step by step. Most buyers have been contracting their Q4 and a part of their Q1 needs just before or around the incident at one of the main European manufacturers, leading to the current force majeure situation. So, there is no need to buy anything right now and the strong wait-and-see attitude seems to persist until there is new demand. For now, no nearby changes are expected.
Vitamin A 1000
Very similar situation to vitamin E. The market is very quiet and only some spot activities are seen every now and then. Most buyers are well contracted for Q4 and a portion of Q1 and not returning to the market anytime soon. This has led to some price decline, although carefully and a strong wait-and-see attitude of most market participants. As soon as there is new demand, a longer-term direction could be visible.
Vitamin D3 500
Prices have been high, and the market has been tight until recently. Still, availability is not optimal but it seems that since last week there has been some relief felt and prices are not increasing further in some cases in the trader market there is even a very slight price decrease noticeable. Q4 is mostly contracted but Q1 is still mostly open.
Vitamin B2 80%
No changes are seen in the market compared to last week. In China and the US, the market is relatively stable and calm. In Europe, the prices recently went up a bit, as local suppliers claim to have reduced output and logistical challenges now. But that is now stable again. By now most of Q4 has been contracted.
D-Calpan
No news at all to mention. Very static market and stable prices for months already. Also, no signs of nearby change in that respect.
Vitamin B3
The desire of manufacturers to increase prices further is constant. It seems though, that the market has found its price stability point now and no further price increase has been seen for the past couple of weeks. Availability is said to be okay, although that may differ from supplier to supplier. Q4 is well contracted and a good portion of Q1 as well. The market has become relatively quiet.
Biotin
Very static market and well contracted ahead. After some price increase over the summer, prices have been stable recently. New additional production capacity in China was announced last week, adding to the already well supplied market. No nearby changes in the market dynamics are expected. Q4 and a good portion of Q1 are contracted.
Vitamin C 35% mono
Manufacturers are trying to increase prices after a long period of a quiet market and stable prices. To a certain extent, it has been successful, and a bit higher FOB China price has been offered and contracted. In the local regions, the prices are still mostly stable as there is sufficient stock, but it could be that it will firm a bit as well soon. Most summer plant maintenance is finalised by now. Q4 is mostly contracted, and buyers are starting to look into Q1 now as well.
