Vitamin markets: Slowing down as Chinese New Year is approaches
The markets overall are preparing for the upcoming Chinese New Year. Which is traditional celebrated for 16 days starting on the 29th January. However the first 7 days are the official public holiday period when factories, ports, and freight services shut down entirely. Learn more in this week’s feed additives snapshot (week 4).
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Vitamin E 50%
The market continues to be very calm and has relative stability, with elevated price levels firmly in place, despite the scheduling of several production maintenance periods in the coming weeks and months that have yet to potentially influence market dynamics. While contracts for the first quarter are firmly secured, there is an absence of substantial interest for the second quarter.
Vitamin A 1000
The step-by-step price decline is still seen, although this week the price has been fairly stable. New capacity ex China is on the way but that might still take some time before that is all approved and shipped. For now, a stable to slightly weaker trend is expected for the coming period. Q1 is contracted, Q2 mostly open still.
Vitamin D3 500
The persistently high prices of vitamin D3 show no indication of decline, as material shortages continue and suppliers remain resolute in their pricing strategies. Recently, a major supplier announced yet another price increase, prompting some buyers to reconsider their initial wait-and-see approach and prepare to re-enter the market in the first quarter to secure additional volume, as they realise that a short-term price reduction is improbable, with a significant portion of the first quarter’s supply already contracted.
Vitamin B2 80%
In Europe, the recent tightness in supply chains among Western manufacturers had led to delivery delays and minor price increases, but the situation appears to have improved. Meanwhile, other regions are experiencing good product availability and stable prices, with no significant changes expected as most contracts for the first quarter have already been secured.
D-Calpan
The market remains relatively static, with prices consistently stable at a low level across all regions. Given the current oversupply, any immediate changes are not anticipated. Additionally, a significant portion of the first quarter has already been contracted.
Vitamin B3
The ongoing dynamics in the market reflect a persistent tension, with several suppliers keen to increase their prices, while others focus on retaining or growing their market share through competitive pricing strategies, ultimately leading to minimal fluctuations compared to recent weeks as many buyers have already met their needs for the first quarter, creating a quieter market environment.
Biotin
No signs of any sort of change in the biotin market are seen or reported. Very static market at the moment. New additional production capacity in China has recently been announced for 2025. A good portion of Q1 is contracted.
Vitamin C 35% mono
The market has exhibited a mostly stable trend over the past several weeks, as numerous suppliers persist in their demands for higher prices or choose not to present offers altogether. While prices remain steady, transaction volumes are notably low, reflecting a general lack of urgency in acquiring new materials. Market activity has been relatively quiet, with a substantial number of first-quarter contracts already finalised and some contracts even extending into the second quarter.
