For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In the first quarter of 2025, Methionine prices in North America displayed a contrasting pattern between food and feed grade variants. The food grade witnessed a steady increase of 3.68% on a quarterly average. This uptrend was primarily supported by stronger demand from downstream sectors such as nutraceuticals, food processing and personal care where production activities picked up with the arrival of spring.
The seasonal transition encouraged higher consumption across these industries. Buyers adopted forward-looking procurement strategies to prepare for rising consumption in upcoming months and leading to firmer prices. On the other hand, the feed grade variant recorded a modest decline of 1.19%. This dip stemmed from cautious inventory management, with buyers limiting fresh offtakes due to subdued seasonal demand and sufficient stock from the previous quarter.
Although tariff structures remained in place during the period, they had no significant influence on the pricing of either grade. Supply chains operated without notable disruption, and logistics were generally smooth across the region. The market maintained balance with a clear divide: food grade remained supported by downstream momentum, while feed grade softened slightly due to conservative purchasing behaviour.
Asia Pacific
In Asia Pacific, Methionine prices in first quarter of 2025 showed mixed movement between food and feed grade variants. The food grade saw an average increase of 1.82% compared to the previous quarter. This growth was driven by improved demand from nutraceutical, food and personal care sectors as production activity picked up following the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The seasonal transition across the region also influenced buyers to align procurement with upcoming production schedules. Procurement activity was steady and forward-looking as supply chains operated without significant disruption. Logistic routes remained active and helped ensure timely deliveries. Meanwhile, the feed grade experienced a slight quarterly decline of 0.75%. This was attributed to subdued offtakes from feed-related applications as several buyers opted to manage inventory more conservatively.
Availability in the region was slightly controlled at various points, which helped maintain some stability despite the weaker demand. Overall, the market was stable to slightly firm for food grade due to consistent downstream activity, while feed grade stayed mildly soft amid measured buying interest and strategic stock management.
Europe
In Europe, the Methionine market presented a split trend across food and feed grade segments during the first quarter of 2025. The food grade posted a quarterly average price increase of 3.51%, driven by strong demand from the food, nutraceutical and personal care sectors. As seasonal conditions turned milder, production picked up across multiple downstream industries, encouraging buyers to initiate timely procurement.
Anticipation of increased requirements in upcoming period also contributed to proactive inventory replenishment. Supply remained steady across key distribution channels, and there were no major logistical delays affecting delivery timelines. In contrast, the feed grade segment experienced a notable average price decline of 12.68%. This sharp fall was largely due to a downturn in feed-related demand as buyers remained cautious, preferring to draw from existing inventories.
Competitive pricing strategies by suppliers also added to the downward trend. The European market reflected a two-speed dynamic where feed grade faced pressure from slow offtakes and contrary to that food grade advanced steadily on the back of solid downstream support and strategic procurement practices in first quarter of 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
Methionine prices in the USA experienced a steady decline throughout Q4 2024, driven by a mix of economic and market factors. October saw a price drop due to economic uncertainty, with inflation concerns and a cautious approach ahead of the presidential election contributing to weakened demand.
November’s decline was influenced by softened demand in the food and feed grade sectors, coupled with a stronger US dollar, making imports cheaper. The easing of logistical issues, particularly following the ILA strike, and the maintenance of healthy inventories allowed suppliers to pass on cost savings to consumers. December continued this downward trend, fueled by reduced consumer confidence, seasonal slowdowns, and a spike in inflation. Proactive inventory buildup, anticipation of potential tariffs, and the uncertainty surrounding the ILA strike placed additional downward pressure on prices, prompting suppliers to adjust their pricing strategies to stay competitive.
In sum, Q4 2024 was characterized by weakening demand, inflationary concerns, and logistical disruptions, all of which drove Methionine prices lower in the U.S. market.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, Methionine prices in China experienced a steady decline, driven by a combination of domestic and international factors. In October, weak domestic demand and an oversupply of product created a highly competitive pricing environment. Additionally, geopolitical uncertainties, particularly concerns surrounding the U.S. elections and increasing protectionist policies, dampened export orders, contributing to downward pressure on prices. The downward trend continued into November, exacerbated by high distributor inventories and cautious global economic sentiment, particularly from the U.S. and Europe. Falling crude oil prices further reduced operational costs, prompting manufacturers to lower their prices in response to softer market conditions. By December, a disinflationary environment combined with sluggish demand from key sectors like animal feed and nutraceuticals, continued to put pressure on prices. Weak international demand, worsened by the holiday season, deepened the oversupply situation, forcing suppliers to adopt aggressive pricing strategies to clear excess stock. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a clear downward trajectory for Methionine prices in China, influenced by weak demand, oversupply, and efforts to reduce costs amid a challenging global market environment.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Methionine prices in Germany experienced a notable decline, primarily driven by weak demand and various economic factors. In October, concerns about inflation led to cautious consumer spending, which reduced demand for Methionine. Additionally, the drop in Asia-Europe shipping rates helped further soften the market, as lower container prices and blanked sailings lowered supply chain costs. By November, the seasonal slowdown in livestock production, particularly in poultry and swine, combined with continued weakness in the food and feed sectors, pushed prices lower. A 1.9% reduction in energy costs, coupled with healthy inventories, allowed suppliers to pass on savings to customers, reinforcing the downward price trend. In December, the decline continued, with weak demand persisting and the depreciation of the euro against the dollar making imports more expensive. Further complicating the situation were logistical delays due to severe winter weather, cautious buyer sentiment, and ample inventory levels, which all contributed to additional price reductions. Overall, Q4 2024 reflected a soft market for Methionine in Germany, with businesses adjusting their strategies in response to economic uncertainty and sluggish demand.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Methionine market in North America exhibited a persistent upward trajectory, with prices increasing due to a variety of key factors. A significant driver of this trend was the heightened demand from both end-user industries and distributors, who engaged in strategic stockpiling to manage potential disruptions and lead time challenges. The uncertainty surrounding supply chain reliability, especially in the context of global logistical challenges, prompted many companies to secure additional inventory, pushing demand higher.
The U.S. market experienced the most notable changes during the quarter, with a significant 3% price increase in the latter half. Several factors contributed to this rise, including ongoing disruptions in global supply chains, particularly in freight and shipping lanes, which delayed deliveries and exacerbated lead times. These challenges were compounded by increasing demand from sectors such as animal feed and nutrition, which rely heavily on Methionine as a key ingredient.
By the end of Q3 2024, DL-Methionine Feed grade was priced at USD 3,240 per metric ton on a CFR New York basis, highlighting the persistent upward pricing trend. This closing price not only underscores the sustained demand but also reflects the broader market sentiment, where companies remain cautious but proactive in managing inventories amid ongoing economic and logistical uncertainties.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, Methionine prices across the APAC region experienced a marked increase, driven by several interrelated factors. Robust global demand, especially from key international markets, played a central role in pushing prices higher as orders surged and export activities intensified. This spike in global demand was partly due to preemptive actions by buyers seeking to secure adequate stocks ahead of the anticipated capacity constraints associated with the upcoming peak season. Supply chain challenges exacerbated the situation, with logistical disruptions further fueling price increases. The ongoing conflict in the Red Sea, which disrupted key shipping routes, led to a rise in freight costs, adding further upward pressure on Methionine prices. These logistical hurdles contributed to the overall tightening of supply, making it more difficult for companies to meet the growing demand. China, in particular, experienced the most pronounced price fluctuations within the APAC region. These fluctuations were driven by a combination of global uncertainties, economic pressures, and cautious behavior from buyers who closely monitored market conditions. Despite these challenges, the quarter exhibited a steady upward trend in pricing, with a 3% increase recorded between the first and second halves of the quarter. By the end of Q3 2024, the price of DL-Methionine Feed grade reached USD 2,995 per metric ton FOB Shanghai, reflecting the overall positive pricing sentiment in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, Methionine pricing in Europe experienced a notable uptrend, marked by several key factors. The market saw an increase in prices driven by a combination of factors, including robust demand, logistical disruptions, and rising operational costs. Demand for Methionine remained strong, supported by steady consumer spending and peak season requirements. Concurrently, logistical challenges, such as congestion at key shipping hubs and increased freight costs, put additional pressure on prices. The overall pricing environment in the region reflected a positive sentiment, with prices steadily climbing throughout the quarter. In Germany, which witnessed the most significant price changes, Methionine prices fluctuated notably. The market experienced both highs and lows, influenced by factors such as economic conditions, supply chain disruptions, and currency fluctuations. Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend showed an upward trajectory, with prices steadily increasing over the quarter. Seasonality played a role in price changes, with the first half of the quarter recording a slight price difference compared to the second half. Ending the quarter at USD 3440/MT for DL-Methionine Feed grade CFR Hamburg, Germany's market reflected a positive pricing environment amidst fluctuating conditions.
For the Quarter Ending June 2024
North America
In Q2 2024, Methionine pricing in the North America region experienced an upward trajectory, heavily influenced by several significant market dynamics. The period was marked by a notable surge in consumer confidence, reflecting a positive economic outlook that drove increased spending on essential commodities, including Methionine.
Furthermore, unanticipated early peak season demand added pressure to the supply chain, contributing to price hikes. Market optimism was bolstered by a gradual recovery in global trade and strategic pricing measures by major shipping companies, which anticipated a resurgence in trade volumes. The USA, in particular, saw the most substantial price changes, primarily driven by heightened demand for feed grade Methionine. The early arrival of the peak season introduced uncertainties, leading to supply shortages and subsequent price increases. Seasonal factors also played a role, with the summer months typically witnessing higher demand for livestock feed additives. Compared to the same quarter in the previous year, prices reflected a strong upward trend, while the quarter-on-quarter comparison recorded a 5% increase. The first half of the quarter saw a 5% price escalation compared to the latter half, underscoring sustained demand pressures.
Disruptions such as the Force Majeure event at Novus International's Gulf Coast plant due to flooding further strained supply, although the impact was short-term. By the quarter's end, DL-Methionine Feed grade CFR New York prices reached USD 3235/MT, underscoring a consistently positive pricing environment throughout the period.
APAC
In Q2 2024, the Methionine market in the APAC region experienced a notable increase in prices, driven by a myriad of compelling factors. This quarter saw a sustained positive sentiment, majorly influenced by robust demand dynamics and supply-side constraints. Significant contributors to this upward pricing trend included a strong post-lunar year demand surge, which strained existing supplies and led to heightened competition among buyers. The manufacturing sector's steady recovery and rebound in industrial activities also played a crucial role, as evidenced by increased manufacturing output and new orders. This resurgence was complemented by an uptick in overseas demand, further bolstering Methionine prices. Focusing on China, which witnessed the highest price changes, the market dynamics were particularly compelling. The overall trends indicated a positive correlation with increased industrial activity and seasonal demand peaks. Price changes were also influenced by reduced input costs, particularly methanol, which saw a decline in prices, thus affecting production costs for Methionine. Disruptions, including plant shutdowns, notably at major facilities such as Bluestar Adisseo and Evonik, further constrained supply, exacerbating the upward pressure on prices. The price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter marked a 3% increase, reflecting the sustained demand and limited supply. The quarter concluded with Methionine Feed grade FOB Shanghai prices reaching USD 3000/MT, underscoring a 4% increase from the previous quarter in 2024. This steady increase in prices highlights the positive pricing environment, driven by robust demand, supply constraints, and significant market disruptions.
Europe
In Q2 2024, Methionine prices in the Europe region experienced a notable upward trajectory, driven by a confluence of factors that fostered an environment of rising costs. The quarter was marked by increased demand, particularly in the animal feed sector, heightened economic activity, and logistical challenges that compounded supply constraints. Key influences included the eurozone's sustained economic growth, which bolstered overall industrial demand, while adverse weather conditions and port congestions in Northern Europe exacerbated shipment delays and elevated transportation expenses. Additionally, fluctuations in the Euro's value against the USD led to higher import costs, further intensifying price pressures. Germany, in particular, saw the most pronounced price escalations. The country's robust industrial activities and strong demand for feed-grade Methionine catalyzed significant price increases, reflecting broader regional trends. Seasonality played a pivotal role, with the second half of the quarter witnessing higher prices due to peak demand periods. The overall trend in Germany underscored a sustained upward momentum, with prices demonstrating a 3% increase from the previous quarter in 2024 and a 2% rise between the first and second halves of Q2. The positive pricing environment culminated in a quarter-ending price of USD 3220/MT for DL-Methionine Feed grade CFR Hamburg, illustrating the persistent upward pressure on market prices.
