The global Vitamin B12 markets experienced a noticeable price decline across major regions at the start of May 2025. This decline was a result of the tariff measures that were introduced against Chinese exports. China is one of the world’s largest exporters and these trade restrictions reduced the number of international orders from the country. As a result of reduction in shipping orders many vessels and cargo containers were left available at Chinese ports. This sudden increase in vessel availability brought down freight rates on several routes. The effect was immediately visible in several import-dependent markets, including the Vitamin B12 market. As a result of this importing countries like Germany, India and the United States saw a noticeable decline in prices of Vitamin B12.

The Vitamin B12 market in China observed a mild decline of 0.34% by 2nd of May 2025. The minimal decline in prices was due to fewer new export bookings after the tariff announcement while the local manufacturers kept their production cycle stable. The buyers stayed cautious and suppliers preferred to adjust the prices slightly to keep the cargo moving. High stock levels within China and stable domestic demand prevented any sharp falls in Vitamin B12 prices and kept the overall market steady.

The German importers benefited from the reduced shipping cost and the effect of these freight shifts was far more visible in the Vitamin B12 market as the prices dropped by 3.59% from previous week. The pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors continued to show weak demand and many buyers strategically chose to delay fresh procurement orders. This combination of softer freight rates and limited downstream interest pushed the prices in downward trend. India followed a similar trend and saw a decrease of 3.25% from previous week in Vitamin B12 prices. The Indian importers saw a lower transport costs for Vitamin B12 cargos arriving from China. Additionally, the country’s pharmaceutical and food supplement sectors kept procurement limited due to stable inventory levels and moderate domestic sales.

ChemAnalyst observed that the decline was most significant in the United States and the Vitamin B12 prices rolled down by 3.96% from the previous week. The Trans-Pacific route had excess shipping capacity which led to cheaper freight rates. In addition to that Vitamin B12 buyers in the US continued to hold back on large purchases which further resulted in suppliers strategically lowering the prices to attract orders and revive the dead market sentiment back in positive direction.

ChemAnalyst anticipates that the Vitamin B12 market will gradually recover in the upcoming period. This anticipated improvement will be driven by strategic price adjustments from suppliers to stabilise their market positions. Additionally, the recent impact of tariffs on freight charges will reduce as shipping schedules will start to normalise. The seasonal demand from the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries is expected to improve and will result in a gradual rise in procurement activity. These combined factors will likely support a more optimistic market sentiment for Vitamin B12 in the forthcoming weeks.

It is advised that Vitamin B12 suppliers and buyers should remain observant to any changes in freight trends and adjust their inventory strategies accordingly. The buyers and procurement specialists should conclude their procurement deals while the prices remain at competitive levels and freight rates are favourable. Whereas suppliers should focus more on managing their inventory positions in line with gradually improving demand. Cyanocobalamin suppliers will likely benefit from firmer price levels and increased offtake opportunities in the forthcoming period as the procurement activity will increase due to return of seasonal buying trends.