Tariffs Create Mixed Outlook for Global Amino Acid Market

As the newly announced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods begin to ripple across global markets, the animal feed sector is bracing for mixed effects, AllAboutFeed reports.

While lysine appears to be spared, most other amino acids—such as threonine, tryptophan, and valine—are likely to face additional cost pressures. This market update provides a snapshot of current conditions, price trends, and tariff implications for key feed additives.

Highlights:

Lysine: The market remains stable to weak, with good availability in both Asia and Europe. Demand is subdued, and further softening of prices is expected for Q3 contracts.

Threonine: This amino acid is among those impacted by the latest U.S. import tariffs on Chinese products. FOB China prices remain stable for now following earlier declines. European prices have also been steady.

DL-Methionine: The effect of tariffs is not yet reflected in U.S. prices. The market remains relatively quiet, with sufficient supply and mostly stable prices.

Tryptophan: Prices are largely stable, though the impact of U.S. import tariffs has not yet become apparent. Overall, the market is considered stable to weak.

Valine: Prices in China are stable to weak, while prices in other regions—especially the U.S. and Europe—are firmer. A significant price gap has emerged between Chinese-origin and Western-origin products, due to an ongoing anti-dumping investigation in Europe.

Lysine

It appears that lysine HCl is exempt from the latest U.S. import tariffs. The market is generally stable to weak, with good availability in Asia and Europe. Demand is soft, potentially leading to further price weakness for Q3 contracts. FOB China prices are stable this week after a period of decline. Prices remain very low. Most of Q2 is already contracted.

Threonine

Threonine is one of the feed additives affected by the latest round of U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. Unlike lysine, most amino acids are expected to be impacted. FOB China prices currently have a relatively steady tone after a sharp decline earlier this year. Prices in Europe have also been mostly stable over recent weeks. Most of Q2 and a significant portion of Q3 have been contracted.

DL-Methionine

No price impact is yet visible in the U.S. market as a result of the new tariffs. Clarity is expected in the coming weeks or months. Despite upcoming announcements of plant maintenance and/or expansion, the market remains relatively quiet. Supply appears sufficient, and prices are mostly stable. Q2 is largely contracted.

Tryptophan

Prices are currently stable, but as tryptophan is likely subject to the new U.S. tariffs, the eventual impact remains to be seen. Aside from this, there have been no significant changes in the tryptophan market compared to the previous week. The market remains stable to weak. Most of Q2 is already contracted.

Valine

Prices in China are stable to weak, whereas prices in other regions—especially the U.S. and Europe—are firmer. U.S. prices could strengthen further due to the announced tariffs. In Europe, prices remain firmer than they were a few months ago. A large price gap exists between Chinese-origin and Western-origin products due to an ongoing anti-dumping investigation. Most of Q2 is contracted, along with a small portion of Q3.