Vitamin markets: No price increase from recent vitamin B3 force majeure
On February 14, 2025, a fire at a vitamin B3 manufacturer’s niacin plant caused significant damage, leading to a force majeure declaration. While there has been a slight increase in transactions, the market has not seen substantial new activity or rising prices, and the recent price decline has only been temporarily halted. Learn more in this week’s feed additive snapshot (week 10).
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Vitamin E 50%
Vitamin E prices have shown a consistent trend with only minor fluctuations as suppliers work to implement price adjustments while managing their supply chains. The current stock levels appear adequate, which has helped maintain price stability while permitting slight declines. Contracts for the first quarter are confirmed, and a portion of the second quarter has also been secured.
Vitamin A 1000
The market continues to reflect a stable to weak phase, with a cautious outlook driven by expectations of increased capacity from China and a Western supplier still facing force majeure but anticipated to resume operations later this year, which will contribute additional volume. Buyer activity remains tentative, characterised by a wait-and-see attitude, while Q1 contracts are already secured.
Vitamin D3 500
The current high prices of Vitamin D3 are primarily driven by ongoing material shortages and steadfast pricing from suppliers. However, with most materials now secured for immediate use, market activity has noticeably decreased, leading to a reduction in transactions. As we move forward, the next few weeks should shed light on the potential sustainability of these elevated prices, considering that contracts for the first quarter are in place and some agreements for the second quarter have also been finalised. At this point, it appears that the market may continue to exhibit firmness.
Vitamin B2 80%
Manufacturers continue to express an interest in increasing prices; however, the market remains stable and appears to be in a well-balanced state. In Europe, a modest decline in prices has been noted recently, while elsewhere, prices have held steady for a considerable duration. Looking ahead, no major fluctuations are expected in the near term, and the first quarter is now completely contracted.
D-Calpan
In all regions, the market remains quite stable regarding actual transaction prices and the market price continues to be low. While some key suppliers of d-calpan are eager to see prices rise, the prevailing oversupply has so far prevented a shift from the current pricing structure, and no significant changes are anticipated in the near future. The first quarter and part of the second quarter are already contracted.
Vitamin B3
On February 14, 2025, a fire broke out at one of the vitamin B3 manufacturers’ niacin plant, fortunately resulting in no reported injuries or casualties, while the niacinamide plan continues to operate without disruption. The manufacturer has declared force majeure due to severe damages, which may require a significant amount of time for recovery. Currently, the market has not seen substantial new activity or an increase in prices, although there has been a slight uptick in transactions, halting the recent price decline; however, elevated prices have yet to emerge.
Biotin
The market continues to reflect a stable to weak phase, with a cautious outlook driven by expectations of increased capacity from China and a Western supplier still facing force majeure but anticipated to resume operations later this year, which will contribute additional volume. Buyer activity remains tentative, characterised by a wait-and-see attitude, while Q1 contracts are already secured.
Vitamin C 35% mono
The current landscape illustrates a clear intention among suppliers to elevate prices, either by implementing direct increases or by holding back on offers, even as some are presenting lower FOB China prices than in previous weeks. This scenario has led to a tactical impasse between suppliers and buyers, with the market displaying stability and minimal expected shifts in the foreseeable future. Additionally, a substantial number of contracts for both the first and second quarters have already been finalised.
