Most amino acid prices hit historic low levels
The global amino acid market shows early signs of stabilisation, though overall price levels remain weak. Regional differences, anti-dumping measures, and fluctuating freight rates continue to influence market dynamics. Below is a brief update on key developments for lysine, threonine, DL-methionine, tryptophan, and valine.
In partnership with Feed Additive Prices
Lysine
Prices remain notably weak across the industry, although there are early indications of potential stability emerging in various regions. For several weeks, FOB prices from China have shown a level of stabilisation, albeit at low values. Prices in other regions, like the USA, seem to stabilise as well after a period of decline. In Europe, stakeholders are closely monitoring the impending final anti-dumping verdict regarding lysine imports from China, which is anticipated by July 11, 2025. The lysine HCl market continues to struggle, largely due to ongoing global anti-dumping inquiries coupled with decreased consumption rates that have contributed to the current market weakness. A number of contracts for the third quarter remain unfulfilled in both Europe and China, as buyers adopt a cautious wait-and-see stance.
Threonine
The main trend remains stable, and FOB China prices have not changed for some weeks now. At the same time, container freight rates have increased for June and July shipments ex China to the USA and Europe, but those rates seem to stabilise now as well. The market has reacted with additional Q3 purchases and some interest in Q4 volumes. Q3 is mostly contracted.
DL-Methionine
Stable prices in most regions. In Europe, methionine prices have recently seen a slight increase, driven by several manufacturers raising their prices for the new Q3 business. But that has stabilised again. In the USA, methionine prices have remained stable recently. The FOB China price experienced a brief firming but has since returned to stability. Q3 contracts are mostly booked by now.
Tryptophan
Recent data suggests that price levels have stabilised following a notable decline, remaining low across key regions with sufficient supply readily available. Nevertheless, certain manufacturers in China have still ceased their price offers due to difficulties in maintaining profitable margins at the current price points. Some contracts for the third quarter have been secured, but mostly there is a wait-and-see attitude.
Valine
After a period of price decline, the FOB China has started to stabilise, although at a very low price level. Prices in other regions have started to stabilise as well. In Europe, the Chinese origins have shown a significant price decline recently, anticipating future anti-dumping implications which should be communicated latest July 21, 2025. The price spread with non-Chinese origins is therefore still significant. A large portion of Q3 is already contracted.
