For the Quarter Ending December 2025
APAC
• In China, the Glutamic acid Price Index rose by 4.22% quarter-over-quarter, due to tighter supply.
• The average Glutamic acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2060.00/MT, indicating cost-driven fundamentals.
• Glutamic acid Spot Price displayed limited upside amid lean prompt stocks and cautious buyer inquiry.
• Glutamic acid Price Forecast points to modest downside unless feedstock or restocking demand increases materially.
• Glutamic acid Production Cost Trend tightened as corn feedstock and steam-coal costs elevated fermentation expenses.
• Glutamic acid Demand Outlook supported by PLA and food sectors, but buyers remain cautious ahead.
• Inventory draws and export bookings firmed, lifting the Glutamic acid Price Index for prompt shipments.
• Maintenance and port congestion constrained loadings, allowing sellers stronger offers and sustaining tighter balances.
Why did the price of Glutamic acid change in Dec 2025 in APAC?
• Plant maintenance and inspections trimmed supply availability while buyers reduced spot purchases ahead of holidays.
• Higher corn feedstock and steam-coal costs increased production cash costs, prompting producers to lift offers.
• Port congestion and freight GRIs raised logistics premiums, dampening enquiries and discouraging aggressive forward-buying.
North America:
• In the USA, the Glutamic acid Price Index rose quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter domestic supply and rising input costs.
• Glutamic acid Spot Price showed limited upside due to cautious buyer activity amid healthy inventory levels.
• Glutamic acid Price Forecast indicates moderate stability unless feedstock volatility or restocking demand spikes.
• Production Cost Trend tightened as corn and natural gas costs elevated fermentation and energy expenses.
• Demand Outlook supported by the food and supplement sectors, although procurement remained selective.
• Inventory draws were modest, while export inquiries to Latin America and Asia firmed, supporting near-term prices.
• Plant turnarounds and maintenance schedules limited immediate supply, allowing sellers to maintain firmer offers.
Why did the price of Glutamic acid change in Dec 2025 in the USA?
• Seasonal maintenance and periodic plant turnarounds reduced available supply.
• Higher corn and natural gas costs increased production cash costs, prompting sellers to raise offers.
• Reduced buyer activity during the holiday season and logistical slowdowns kept spot prices supported.
Europe
• In Europe, the Glutamic acid Price Index increased quarter-over-quarter, supported by tight supply in key export hubs.
• Spot Prices displayed limited upside amid lean prompt stocks and cautious inquiry from the food and feed sectors.
• Price Forecast suggests moderate downside potential unless restocking demand or feedstock volatility emerges.
• Production Cost Trend firmed due to elevated corn, energy, and steam-coal prices, increasing fermentation expenses.
• Demand Outlook steady, underpinned by PLA, food, and animal feed segments, although buyers adopted a wait-and-see approach.
• Inventory draws and export bookings were supportive, especially for prompt shipments to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
• Maintenance schedules and port congestion constrained loadings, allowing sellers stronger offers and maintaining tighter balances.
Why did the price of Glutamic acid change in Dec 2025 in Europe?
• Ongoing plant maintenance and inspections trimmed available supply.
• Elevated feedstock and energy costs increased cash production costs, encouraging producers to lift offers.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
APAC
• In China, the Glutamic Acid Price Index rose by 11.16% quarter-over-quarter, driven by plant maintenance.
• The average Glutamic Acid price for the quarter was approximately USD 2212.00/MT, reported domestically officially.
• Glutamic Acid Spot Price rose as export restocking tightened inventories, directly lifting the Price Index.
• Glutamic Acid Price Forecast indicates correction ahead, assuming gradual supply recovery and easing feedstock costs.
• Glutamic Acid Production Cost Trend elevated due to higher logistics and corn-derived raw material prices.
• Glutamic Acid Demand Outlook strong as food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and biofuel sectors sustain elevated offtake.
• Lean inventories and accelerated exports exerted upward pressure on the Glutamic Acid Price Index overall.
• Major producer maintenance shutdowns constrained supply, enabling smaller suppliers to raise prices, tightening market availability.
Europe
• In Europe, the glutamic acid market for the quarter (ending September 2025) saw moderate upward pressure, though the region remains more price-sensitive due to heavy import dependence.
• Supply constraints (imports from Asia, logistic delays) and rising downstream demand from food & beverage, cosmetics and pharma have supported price stability and modest growth.
• Production cost increases (energy, grains, logistics) have also underpinned regional minimum price levels.
• Inventory lean-ness in certain European ports, along with maintenance outages among suppliers, tightened availability and elevated the price risk.
• The demand outlook is positive: food additive use, health & wellness applications, and stricter regulatory frameworks for natural additives all favour sustained consumption.
• However, the forecast suggests only mild upside (or a stable price environment) because Europe has stronger import access and margin pressure from end-users, so any supply relief or feedstock cost drop will likely moderate price increases.
North America
• In North America, glutamic acid prices trended moderately upward in recent quarters, supported by steady downstream demand and constrained supply conditions.
• Spot prices rose as inventory restocking by food, pharmaceutical and feed additive sectors accelerated, tightening availability.
• Production cost pressures increased due to elevated logistics and corn / grain feedstock prices in North America, which compressed margins and pushed minimum acceptable selling prices higher.
• Demand outlook remains strong because of healthy activity in processed foods, flavour enhancers and pharma segments across the U.S. and Canada.
• On the supply side, occasional maintenance at North American plants and import logistic disruptions (including shipping bottlenecks) exerted upward price pressure.
• Forecast for the region suggests a correction ahead (or at least moderation) assuming feedstock price easing and inventory replenishment—but given strong demand the correction may be limited.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Glutamic Acid Spot Price in North America in Q2 2025 showed a generally upward trend with an average Quarter over Quarter fluctuation of about ±0.65%, influenced by supply disruptions and rising raw material costs.
• Strong industrial demand, particularly from food processing, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition sectors, supported steady price growth throughout the quarter.
• Glutamic Acid Production cost trends indicated upward pressure due to increased corn prices and logistics costs, reflecting North America’s reliance on domestic agricultural feedstocks.
• June prices rose moderately as supply chain constraints from global supplier maintenance coincided with increased domestic industrial activity.
• The Glutamic Acid demand outlook remains positive, driven by expanding applications in clean-label foods and demand for natural flavorings consistent with shifting consumer preferences.
• Regulatory encouragement for the use of natural and non-GMO additives in food industries supported sustained demand for Glutamic acid.
• Manufacturing capacity expansions and technological advancements are underway in the region, aiming to improve cost efficiency and meet rising demand.
• Export demand from North America remains firm, particularly towards Latin America and certain APAC countries, contributing to price support.
• The Glutamic acid market faces potential input cost volatility due to weather-related crop uncertainties, which remain a key risk factor affecting price forecasts.
• Overall, Glutamic acid pricing in North America is projected to maintain moderate upward momentum in Q3 2025, reflecting ongoing demand strength balanced against variable supply-side conditions.
APAC
• In Q2 2025, Glutamic Acid Spot Price in APAC displayed a volatile trajectory with moderate upward movement overall; average Quarter over Quarter fluctuation was approximately ±0.75%, reflecting a mixed scenario influenced by supply and demand factors throughout the quarter.
• April saw a mild price increase driven by higher production costs due to rising corn prices and logistical delays at North China ports, supporting a sustained price appreciation despite conservative procurement strategies.
• In May, prices dipped significantly due to weakening demand as indicated by China’s CPI decline and PMI contraction below 50, combined with an appreciating Chinese Yuan hurting export competitiveness and leading to inventory build-ups.
• June witnessed a sharp price surge, with outages and maintenance shutdowns among Chinese producers causing supply shortages; prices hit historic highs despite the overall deflationary environment reflected in China's Producer Price Index (PPI) dropping by 3.6%.
• Glutamic Acid demand outlook remained strong in June, especially from the food preservative, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel sectors, where Glutamic acid is critical for product preservation and formulation, driving sustained upward price pressure.
• The geopolitical tensions stemming from Middle East conflicts added to market volatility, amplifying existing tight supply conditions and helping push Glutamic acid prices higher in critical markets such as Shanghai.
• Despite supply constraints, the domestic market maintained a baseline demand, fueled by ongoing consumption in processed foods and animal nutrition segments, reflecting an evolving preference for natural preservatives.
• The Glutamic Acid production cost trend showed higher feedstock prices—mainly corn—and increased freight charges in May, further compressing margins but allowing suppliers to justify price increases amid tight availability in June.
• Overall, the Glutamic Acid demand outlook for Glutamic acid across APAC is optimistic, supported by growing healthcare and cosmetic markets and regulatory encouragement for safer preservatives expected to sustain future price hikes.
• Export dynamics were mixed; April’s tariff-driven surge gave way to oversupply pressures in May and supply-driven price spikes in June, illustrating the complex interplay of trade policies and production challenges shaping Q2 price trajectories.
EUROPE
• Glutamic Acid Spot Price in Europe remained relatively stable throughout Q2 2025, with modest month-to-month movements and an average quarter-over-quarter fluctuation estimated at ±1.2%; prices were steady in April/May and saw a slight uptick in June following seasonal demand and tightening inventories.
• June 2025 experienced a moderate Glutamic Acid spot price increase amid peak summer demand from the beverage and confectionery sectors; large buyers in Germany and France reported readiness to accept higher prices due to constrained production.
• Glutamic Acid Price Forecast for Europe signals mild upward pressure going into Q3, particularly if raw sugar and grain feedstock costs continue their incremental rise, and logistics remain challenged by Rhine water level unpredictability.
• Glutamic Acid Production Cost Trend trended upward in Q2, as elevated energy prices—linked to persistent natural gas market volatility—and higher freight costs added to operational expenses, offsetting some efficiencies derived from new starch extraction technologies.
• Strong regional demand from processed food manufacturers and pharmaceutical sectors cushioned price declines, though the market overall was disciplined due to cautious inventory management by buyers.
• Supply-side challenges arose from periodic starch facility maintenance and stricter quality assurance protocols, causing brief spot shortages in June, most notably in Italy and Eastern Europe.
• Regulatory changes and diminishing Ukrainian exports compounded supply chain uncertainty, prompting localized stockpiling in Central Europe ahead of anticipated summer peaks.
• Glutamic Acid Demand Outlook into late Q2 and early Q3 is positive, as seasonal beverage and ice-cream makers boost orders, with export interest from North Africa emerging as a potential growth driver.
• Manufacturers reported only limited ability to pass higher costs to end-users, compressing margins and driving increased interest in alternative sweeteners for non-critical applications.
• European analysts predict a stable-to-moderately bullish Glutamic acid Price Forecast for Q3, given supply discipline and healthy downstream demand from the F&B sector, although cost volatility in energy and grains remains a principal risk factor.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Glutamic acid prices in North America trended downward, influenced largely by the region's dependency on imports from the Asia Pacific, particularly China. While China witnessed sharp price fluctuations, the North American market experienced relative price softness due to an influx of competitively priced imports during February, when Chinese prices dipped significantly amid oversupply and weakened domestic demand.
In January, the region faced moderate price levels due to high procurement costs from China driven by pre-Lunar New Year demand and export strength. However, the trend reversed in February as North American importers capitalized on China's price correction and accumulated inventories at lower costs. This led to improved availability in the region and reduced-price pressure.
Despite a rebound in Chinese prices in March, North American buyers were buffered by existing inventories and delayed shipments secured at February's lower rates. Additionally, sluggish demand from the local food and pharmaceutical sectors and cautious restocking behavior due to economic uncertainty kept market activity subdued. Overall, the quarter closed with a net decline in Glutamic acid prices in North America, primarily due to strategic import timing from Asia and weak regional demand fundamentals, despite the late-quarter recovery in upstream markets.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, Glutamic acid prices in China exhibited a volatile trend marked by sharp fluctuations driven by varying supply-demand dynamics and shifting macroeconomic conditions. In January, prices rose amid strong export demand, fueled by anticipatory purchasing from key international buyers responding to potential tariff risks under the new U.S. administration. Tightened supply following aggressive destocking, combined with logistical disruptions and rising freight rates, supported the price uptrend. However, the domestic market faced headwinds, including a dip in manufacturing activity, as reflected by a PMI decline to 49.1, and seasonal slowdowns ahead of the Lunar New Year.
February witnessed a significant price correction as oversupply, coupled with subdued domestic demand and high global inventories, pressured the market. The Lunar New Year holiday further weakened industrial activity, while trade restrictions and a declining CPI created a deflationary environment, exacerbating bearish sentiment.
In March, prices rebounded on the back of a supply squeeze caused by post-holiday inventory depletion and increased production costs, including higher energy, labor, and raw material expenses. Export demand surged, diverting volumes from the domestic market, while recovery in food and pharmaceutical sectors bolstered consumption. With the PMI rising to 50.5, signaling industrial expansion, price momentum strengthened.
Europe
Throughout Q1 2025, Glutamic acid prices in Europe trended downward, shaped largely by consistent inflows from Asia-Pacific suppliers, notably China. While Chinese prices saw a temporary spike in January due to robust export demand and freight cost increases, many European importers had already secured shipments under earlier contracts, softening the impact of the APAC price rally on regional pricing.
In February, the market experienced further downward pressure as Chinese prices dropped significantly amid rising inventories and subdued local demand. These factors contributed to a notable decline in landed prices across European ports. Simultaneously, demand across the continent remained moderate, with slower-than-expected activity in the food additive and pharmaceutical sectors.
By March, despite signs of recovery in China—driven by tighter supply and rising input costs—European prices failed to rebound. The market was weighed down by existing stockpiles and cautious buying behavior. Lingering concerns over the EU’s economic outlook, alongside sluggish manufacturing recovery, restrained fresh procurement. Overall, the European Glutamic acid market in Q1 2025 reflected a clear bearish tone, underpinned by ample Asian supply, lackluster downstream demand, and a wait-and-watch approach from buyers amid persistent macroeconomic uncertainty.
