US Protease Enzyme Retreats in June Following May Gains Amid Improved Supply Conditions

The US Protease Enzyme prices softened in the first half of June 2026 after the gains seen in May, with Protease Enzyme CFR Los Angeles prices correcting by 1.50%. The decline was mainly driven by reduced buying urgency after earlier procurement in May and improved export availability from China, which lowered fresh Protease Enzyme quotes into Los Angeles. In May, the market had remained firm due to elevated freight costs, constrained European fermentation capacity, and tighter inventories on the U.S. West Coast. As a result, Protease Enzyme CFR Los Angeles averaged USD 5,335/MT in May, up from USD 5,190/MT in April, reflecting a 2.8% monthly increase. Demand in May stayed healthy across animal feed, detergent, food processing, and pharmaceutical applications, supporting Protease Enzyme consumption. Poultry integrators continued using enzyme additives to optimize feed costs, while detergent producers maintained purchases for low-temperature cleaning formulations. On the supply side, higher glucose, dextrose, refined glycerol, and European energy costs kept production economics firm. However, in June, the resumption of normal operations at Chinese fermentation facilities in Jiangsu and Shandong improved Protease Enzyme supply, easing the earlier tightness narrative and pressuring prices lower.