For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• In April 2025, the soy protein isolate spot price in the USA edged up as importers increased purchase volumes in anticipation of future supply constraints, supported by stronger procurement activity from the food and beverage sectors.
• The Price Index reflected mild upward momentum in April, driven by higher ocean freight rates and extended lead times from Asian suppliers, contributing to concerns around product production cost trend and prompting earlier-than-usual buying cycles.
• April saw a recovery in the product demand outlook, with buyers aiming to restock inventories ahead of potential trade or logistics disruptions, especially amid recovering consumer demand and macroeconomic stabilization.
• In May, the Price Index in the U.S. registered a decline, as demand from downstream segments softened and previous restocking efforts led to temporarily elevated inventories among major distributors.
• Weakness in international procurement interest during May coincided with lingering tariff issues and uncertainty over import policies, delaying purchases and suppressing product demand outlook.
• Ample inventory levels and logistical normalization further pressured soy protein isolate spot prices in May, even as ocean freight rates gradually adjusted, slightly easing the product production cost trend.
• In June, the market remained sluggish, with buyers operating cautiously due to subdued consumer sentiment and high interest rates impacting spending across functional food, supplements, and nutraceutical segments.
• June also saw price competition intensify among importers due to excess availability in the market, resulting in a downtrend in the Price Index and greater buyer leverage during contract negotiations.
• In July 2025, prices in the U.S. market are likely to increase slightly, driven by restocking from nutraceutical and sports nutrition manufacturers and a potential drop in import volumes as suppliers overseas cut production to balance inventory levels.
• Despite these positive triggers, the product demand outlook remains tentative in the U.S., with inflationary pressure and policy uncertainty continuing to weigh on long-term forward contracting.
APAC
• In April 2025, the Soy Protein Isolate Price Index (FOB Qingdao, >90% Protein) rose by 0.28%, reaching USD 1780/MT, supported by proactive procurement from downstream food and beverage sectors amid supply-side uncertainty.
• April’s moderate upward movement in the soy protein isolate spot price stemmed from lean inventories, stronger international inquiries (notably from Europe and Asia), and anticipations of increased product production cost trend due to logistical and trade-related concerns.
• Despite a dip in China's PMI indicating slowing manufacturing momentum, product demand outlook remained firm in April as buyers ramped up orders to hedge against future supply disruptions.
• In May, the Price Index declined by 1.69% to USD 1750/MT, pressured by falling international demand, particularly from tariff-affected markets like the U.S., and weak downstream activity in food and healthcare segments.
• The decline in product spot price during May was also influenced by higher soybean imports, leading to surplus raw materials and unsold inventories piling up at Chinese factories.
• May's product demand outlook was subdued as export orders fell to yearly lows and domestic buyers remained hesitant due to economic uncertainty and the extended Labor Day holiday.
• The Price Index continued to slide in June, down by 1.14% to USD 1730/MT, amid weak global demand, overcapacity in production, and softening logistics rates that increased exporter competition.
• China’s product production cost trend was deflationary in June, with the Producer Price Index falling 3.6% YoY, reflecting a broad decline in input costs and pricing power across the upstream segment.
• Buyers in June adopted a wait-and-watch strategy, anticipating further price softening. As a result, product demand outlook weakened both domestically and internationally, with more sellers resorting to discounts to move excess inventory.
• In July 2025, Soy Protein Isolate prices are likely to increase slightly, as some restocking activity from downstream sectors is anticipated, while Chinese producers facing mounting stock pressure may cut operating rates to balance supply, limiting further downward pressure on the soy protein isolate spot price.
Europe
• The Price Index for Soy Protein Isolate imports into Europe rose marginally in April 2025, supported by restocking activities from plant-based food producers and a modest rebound in demand from Germany, the Netherlands, and France.
• Strong early-quarter procurement was spurred by cost inflation concerns and potential supply chain bottlenecks, which also contributed to a short-term rise in product production cost trend for regional processors.
• The product demand outlook in April remained optimistic, with growing interest in vegan protein supplements and clean-label alternatives across Western Europe, boosting spot transactions.
• In May, European markets experienced a clear shift, as the Price Index declined due to fading export order flow and reduced shipments from global producers, reflecting weakening macro demand indicators.
• European importers noted significant buyer hesitation in May, especially in Southern and Eastern Europe, where cost sensitivity intensified and several food processors delayed procurement amid tariff concerns.
• Inventories across Northern Europe swelled in May due to previously front-loaded import arrivals, leading to subdued product demand outlook and placing downward pressure on the soy protein isolate spot price.
• The trend extended into June, with the Price Index declining further, as subdued retail sales in the plant-based sector and cautious purchasing from large buyers like foodservice chains signaled a bearish demand environment.
• Freight rate deflation and a stabilization in warehouse inventories contributed to a softening product production cost trend, improving negotiation power for European importers but squeezing margins for suppliers.
• Buyers adopted a wait-and-watch approach in June, delaying bulk procurement and avoiding forward contracts, reinforcing market softness and limiting any potential rebound in product spot price.
• In July 2025, prices in Europe may increase slightly, as downstream users resume limited restocking to prepare for Q3 consumption cycles; however, the overall product demand outlook remains fragile due to economic stagnation and limited marketing push from end-use brands.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) market in the USA experienced fluctuating trends. Prices rose moderately in January as importers accelerated purchases ahead of the proposed 10% tariff on Chinese goods set for February. This frontloading, combined with the approaching Chinese Lunar New Year and rising energy costs, put additional strain on supply chains and pushed prices upward. Shipment delays, especially at the Port of Los Angeles, worsened due to congestion and wildfire-related disruptions, further driving up operational costs.
In February, prices declined as production recovery in China post-holiday increased export availability, and lower transpacific freight rates improved supply conditions. However, demand remained soft due to ongoing economic caution, inflation concerns, and delayed orders driven by tariff uncertainties.
By March, the market faced further declines with high inventories, weak demand, and uncertainty due to tariff hikes and a weaker U.S. dollar. Sellers resorted to aggressive price cuts to offload surplus stock. Throughout the quarter, subdued market sentiment led to continued downward pricing momentum.
Overall, the SPI market in the USA remained volatile throughout Q1 2025, with fluctuating prices and weak demand reflecting broader economic uncertainty and tariff-related concerns.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, the Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) market in China experienced fluctuating trends. Prices rose significantly in January due to strong demand from industries such as food, healthcare, and animal feed, coupled with reduced manufacturing output ahead of the Lunar New Year. Exporters also rushed to ship goods ahead of expected U.S. tariffs, tightening supply and pushing prices higher. However, by February, prices declined as production resumed post-holiday, and inventory levels increased. Weak demand, driven by deflationary pressures and sluggish economic activity, further exacerbated the price drop. Additionally, the U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods dampened export competitiveness, contributing to domestic stockpile growth. By the end of the quarter, SPI prices continued to decline as surplus supply accumulated, worsened by a stronger yuan that made exports more expensive. Cautious buying behavior in downstream industries and uncertainty surrounding trade tensions also suppressed demand. Manufacturers resorted to aggressive discounting strategies to reduce stock levels, resulting in an overall downward trend in prices.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the Soy Protein Isolate (SPI) market in Europe experienced fluctuating pricing trends. January saw a moderate price increase, driven by improved business sentiment in Germany and accommodative monetary policies that stimulated demand, particularly from the healthcare and pharmaceutical sectors. Stockpiling activity, prompted by anticipated delays linked to the Lunar New Year, added upward pressure on prices.
However, in February, the market began to soften as supply remained ample and demand subdued. The appreciating Euro, combined with a sharp decline in ocean freight rates on Asia-Europe routes, helped facilitate cost-effective imports, resulting in an inventory buildup. Early stockpiling ahead of the Lunar New Year kept the market oversupplied. By March, these conditions persisted, with oversupply exacerbated by favorable import economics and sufficient shipping capacity. Demand continued to be weak, as buyers focused on clearing existing stock. Despite some port congestion in Europe, falling freight rates and a strong Euro kept landed costs low, reinforcing the soft pricing environment.
Overall, weak domestic sentiment and cautious procurement strategies led to sustained downward pricing pressure throughout Q1 2025.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Soy Protein Isolate prices in the USA experienced notable fluctuations, influenced by evolving market conditions. In October, prices rose slightly, driven by increased demand fueled by Federal Reserve rate cuts, which boosted consumer confidence. Supply chain disruptions, such as prolonged port congestion, labor strikes, and concerns over potential tariff hikes under President-elect Donald Trump, further exacerbated supply-demand imbalances, pushing prices higher.
November saw prices soften as demand weakened under the strain of inflationary pressures and high interest rates. The appreciation of the U.S. dollar reduced import costs, while the resolution of the ILA strike helped ease logistical challenges. With strong inventories available, suppliers were able to lower prices, benefiting consumers.
By December, prices continued to decline due to declining consumer confidence, seasonal demand slowdowns, and proactive inventory stockpiling in anticipation of potential strikes in January and the Chinese Lunar New Year. Inflation concerns and tariff uncertainties prompted cautious purchasing behavior, while abundant supply and competitive pricing strategies further pressured prices downward. Overall, Q4 2024 was marked by a volatile but generally declining market trend for Soy Protein Isolate.
Asia Pacific
In Q4 2024, the Soy Protein Isolate market in China experienced a dynamic pricing trend, shaped by shifting economic conditions and market forces. October saw a slight price increase, driven by the recovery of China’s manufacturing sector, supported by government stimulus measures. A combination of increased domestic and export demand, bolstered by monetary easing and a weaker yuan, boosted consumer confidence and external orders, which allowed suppliers to raise prices.
By November, the upward trend reversed as high inventory levels, weaker domestic demand, and sluggish international orders, particularly from the USA and Europe, led to an oversupply. The decline in crude oil prices further reduced production costs, prompting manufacturers to lower prices to maintain competitiveness.
In December, prices continued to decline as consumer demand remained subdued amid ongoing disinflation in China. Companies and international buyers adjusted their procurement strategies, contributing to weaker demand, while reduced foreign orders during the holiday season left suppliers with excess stock. This surplus inventory prompted additional price cuts as manufacturers aimed to clear stock before the end of the year. Overall, Q4 2024 saw a shift from early price increases to subsequent declines, driven by fluctuating demand and evolving market conditions.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Soy Protein Isolate prices in Germany exhibited fluctuating trends influenced by changing market conditions. October saw a modest price increase, driven by improved business sentiment, buoyed by optimism about economic recovery and the European Central Bank's third interest rate cut to 3.25%. This monetary easing helped boost spending and investment. Meanwhile, supply chain disruptions at Hamburg's ports, along with proactive inventory stockpiling, contributed to upward price pressure.
However, November marked a shift as demand from key sectors weakened and inflationary pressures eased, leading to price declines. A significant reduction in consumer spending and retail activity, combined with a 1.9% drop in energy costs, lowered production expenses, allowing suppliers to lower prices and maintain competitiveness.
This downward trend continued into December, as subdued demand from important sectors, cautious purchasing behavior due to lingering inflation concerns, and higher import costs driven by the euro's depreciation all contributed to price declines. High inventory levels and year-end clearance efforts placed additional downward pressure on prices, while harsh winter weather disrupted logistics and dampened consumer activity. Overall, Q4 2024 reflected a transition from initial optimism to growing economic caution, creating a volatile but ultimately declining pricing landscape.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, Soy Protein Isolate prices in North America exhibited a mixed trajectory, influenced by various market factors. The quarter started with a notable price increase in July, driven by heightened consumer optimism regarding business conditions, which fostered a positive trend in Soy Protein Isolate pricing. Additionally, supply chain disruptions caused by blank sailings—where ships were rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope due to severe port congestion in both Asia and North America—further tightened the market, contributing to the price surge.
However, by August, prices began to decline. This reduction was largely attributed to an improved inflation outlook, which resulted in a significant drop in import prices, marking the largest decrease in eight months. The decline in import costs, combined with only modest increases in both producer and consumer prices, alleviated some pressure on Soy Protein Isolate prices. In September, prices rose again due to a more favorable economic outlook and improving inflation conditions, despite ongoing concerns about the labor market. This renewed optimism translated into increased demand for Soy Protein Isolate, which exerted upward pressure on prices.
Throughout Q3 2024, the pricing environment for Soy Protein Isolate in North America remained volatile, reflecting the ongoing interplay of demand fluctuations and supply chain challenges.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the pricing landscape for Soy Protein Isolate in the APAC region displayed a mixed trajectory influenced by several key factors. At the start of the quarter, prices surged, driven by robust global demand, particularly from increased export activity in Asia to major markets such as North America and Europe. Foreign importers significantly contributed to this price rise by placing larger orders as a precaution against potential shortages, thus bolstering demand and pushing prices upward. However, by August, prices began to decline noticeably. This drop was primarily attributed to weakening demand, as reflected in sluggish export activity and falling prices. The slowdown indicated a broader loss of economic momentum, with market performance showing signs of cooling demand and improved supply conditions, which alleviated some of the upward pressure on prices. As the quarter progressed into September, the market experienced a rebound in prices. This recovery was fueled by an increase in new orders and a resurgence in domestic demand. Market participants adapted their strategies in response to this renewed demand, capitalizing on the improved conditions, which contributed to the price recovery toward the end of the quarter. Overall, the Soy Protein Isolate market in the APAC region during Q3 2024 was characterized by volatility, shaped by fluctuating global demand and evolving supply dynamics.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the pricing of Soy Protein Isolate in Europe exhibited a mixed trajectory, influenced by several key market dynamics. Initially, prices rose due to a surge in demand, bolstered by strong consumer sentiment and economic optimism. Supply chain disruptions, particularly affecting key shipping routes, further constrained availability, adding upward pressure on prices as logistical challenges impeded timely deliveries. However, by mid-quarter, prices began to decline. This decrease was largely attributed to worsening economic conditions in Germany, where business morale had fallen for the third consecutive month. These ongoing economic struggles dampened recovery prospects and led to a reduction in demand, resulting in softer pricing during this period. Toward the end of the quarter, prices rebounded as consumer sentiment across Europe began to recover. Improved expectations regarding income and a greater willingness to spend among consumers helped revive demand for Soy Protein Isolate. Furthermore, the easing of inflation alleviated financial pressures on consumers, contributing to the upward trend in prices.
FAQs
1. Why did Soy Protein Isolate prices fluctuate across regions in Q2 2025?
Price movements were largely shaped by regional inventory levels and shifting demand cycles. April saw modest price increases in the U.S., China, and Europe due to restocking and logistical concerns. However, May and June brought declines as inventories rose and downstream demand weakened, particularly in food and supplement industries. Overcapacity in China and cautious buying in Europe also contributed to the global softness.
2. How did logistics and trade policies affect the market during this period?
In North America, elevated ocean freight rates and long lead times in April encouraged early procurement. But by May, tariff uncertainties and normalized logistics reduced urgency, weighing on the Price Index. In China, deflationary input costs and reduced export activity softened prices, while Europe dealt with freight cost moderation and stockpile buildup, limiting further price support.
3. Which sectors drove or slowed demand for Soy Protein Isolate?
In April, demand surged across the food, beverage, and nutraceutical sectors, especially in North America and Europe. However, by May and June, consumer spending slowed due to macroeconomic headwinds and inflation. Functional food and sports nutrition producers, particularly in the U.S. and China, delayed purchases, while European buyers grew increasingly price-sensitive, dampening overall momentum.
4. What is the price forecast for July 2025?
Prices are expected to increase slightly across all three regions. In the U.S., restocking by nutraceutical brands and limited import volumes could support prices. Chinese producers may reduce operating rates to manage excess inventory, preventing further price drops. In Europe, cautious restocking ahead of Q3 demand may lift prices modestly, though the broader demand outlook remains soft.
