Chinese stop offering lysine while methionine remains firm

FOB China prices have declined recently and have become very low. Liquid lysine in Europe continues to be firm as availability is poor at a western supplier and supply ex Asia is delayed. A shift is again seen to powder lysine. Threonine remains weak. Valine is stable for now, at a low price level. However, outlook is weak. Yet, some significant inquiries from buyers were seen for Q2 and Q3.

Lysine

Suppliers in China have collectively stopped offering material since today. Sales for export have been good lately and after a period of price decline, the market price on a FOB China basis has become very low. Suppliers have therefore decided to stop offering and intend to increase prices soon. How that will play out, is still the question. Some Q2 inquiries and transactions are seen in Europe and the US, as securing supply is a priority, with all the delays ex China. A good portion of Q2 is contracted by now.

Threonine

While suppliers have stopped offering lysine, no change has been seen so far for threonine. In general, the threonine market is weak. Before Chinese New Year, prices were coming down on a FOB China basis but also in several other regions. And last week that trend seemed to hold. Currently, the speed of decline is less steep but buyers remain careful in taking long-term positions, despite the already low prices. Prices have been lower though, so there is a wait-and-see attitude. A portion of Q2 is contracted, but nothing significant yet.

DL-Methionine

Especially in Europe, the nearby availability is tight. But supplier quotes for Q2 delivery also have a firm tone with limited volume allocation. Despite all the news in 2023 of additional capacity and oversupply, the market is currently tight and prices are firming. Production output and continuous plant maintenance/optimization continue to pressure the supply chain. In other regions, the market also looks firmer. A good portion of Q2 is contracted by now and several buyers have also contracted their full Q2 needs.

Tryptophan

No significant changes are seen in the market, compared to previous weeks. Availability is still tight and prices remain firmer compared to late last year. The market does seem to have calmed down again in most regions, although at a higher price level. One of the reasons for this tighter market is the domestic supply in for example Europe and the US that is reduced and can’t be compensated fully by imported material. Prices FOB China are mostly stable. A portion of Q2 has been contracted by now.

Valine

Despite the weak market and weak trend, several buyers in Europe have started to consider longer-term contracts. They mention the price is low and there are some concerns about availability. Today, in terms of actual transactions, the valine market is very quiet and prices are mostly stable, although at a low level. The delays ex-China seem to have stopped the price decline for now. Q1 is contracted and a small portion of Q2 is as well.