Vitamin markets: Vitamin A price not indicative of supply
Both vitamin A and E have recently cooled down after a very volatile period due to the force majeure situation at a main Western manufacturer. Prices are still very high, but some further decline is seen as traders are more proactive to move unsold stock. Manufacturers refrain from offering. Most buyers are contracted for Q4 and it is quiet now. Learn more in this week’s feed additives snapshot (week 38).
Vitamin D3 500 remains tight and prices are high. Buyers have accepted this new reality and have contracted material ahead at higher price levels. Vitamin B3 remains firm, although the level of activity has declined significantly and by now a good portion of Q4 is contracted.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Vitamin E 50%
Despite the recent volatile market and much firmer prices compared to some months ago, some careful price decline is seen now as traders are trying to move some volume. Manufacturers are still not offering though. The market is very quiet now and most of Q4 has been contracted, and some of Q1 as well.
Vitamin A 1000
It is a contradictive market where a main manufacturer is under forced majeure and their allocations of contracted material are very tight. And also other suppliers are said to be tight in terms of availability. Yet, after a significant and fast price increase lately, the market feels extremely quiet and spot prices are coming down slightly mostly driven by traders wanting to move some stock. It seems, despite the current market situation, end-users are contracted for nearby and are not in the market now for potential additional material for Q4. Most of Q4 is contracted by now.
Vitamin D3 500
Availability is still not optimal, and prices remain firm. Buyers have adjusted to this new situation and new higher price level and have enough contract coverage to continue into Q4. No nearby signs of relief are seen if stock levels are not replenished sufficiently. The market is calm right now.
Vitamin B2 80%
In China and the US, the market is relatively stable and calm. But in Europe, the prices went up a bit, as local suppliers claim to have reduced output and logistical challenges now. This has led to some tightness in the EU market and slightly firmer prices. By now most of Q4 has been contracted.
D-Calpan
The market has been quiet for weeks already and after a slight price increase in the summer, it seems prices are going back down to their pre-summer price level. Lower container freight rates are also a reason for that. Prices remain very low, but the market is still in oversupply and no signs of significant change are seen in that situation.
Vitamin B3
Although less active, the vitamin B3 market is still a bit tight due to cost price pressure at the manufacturers, and the recent price increases seem to be sticking for now. Although lower container freight rates may stabilise things. Over the past few weeks, a significant cover has been taken forward and Q4 is mostly contracted. There is still some activity seen, but nothing major.
Biotin
No changes seen at all in the market compared to previous weeks. After a recent small price increase, the market has stabilised for some weeks now at this slightly higher price level. Most buyers are well contracted ahead for Q4 and even partly Q1 and the level of activity in the market is very low.
Vitamin C 35% mono
Quite a static market at the moment. Suppliers claim to be in long term summer plant maintenance still and several of them are not keen to offer new material. At the same time there seems to be enough material available and the price has been very stable lately and there is a decent cover forward already. As soon as new demand is coming on the market, it could become clearer what the direction of the market is going to be. For now, it is very quiet.
