February 16, 2004

China's Vitamin C Prices Generally Stable in Past Weeks (February 16, 2004)
 

An eFeedLink Exclusive Report
 

Prices of vitamin C (98% content of vitamin C) remained generally stable in China over the previous few weeks, with current prices somewhat lower than the pre-Chinese New Year period. Existing price quotes of vitamin C issued by China's major pharmaceutical factories generally range between RMB80-90/kg, while the general transacted prices average between RMB75-85/kg. The marginal downslide in China's vitamin C prices is primarily due to the off-peak season for feed sales in the Chinese market.

As of February 16, prices of vitamin C across China are as follows:

• In Guangdong province, vitamin C (over 98% content) is generally quoted at around RMB90/kg and transacted at about RMB85/kg;
  
  
• In Shanghai area, vitamin C (99% content) is quoted between RMB80-90/kg and transacted at RMB78/kg for bulk purchases;
  
  
• In Heibei province, vitamin C (99% content) is quoted at RMB80/kg and transacted at between RMB75-80/kg, while bulk purchases are mostly concluded at around RMB75/kg;
  
  
• In Anhui province, vitamin C (approx. 95% content) is quoted at RMB90/kg and generally transacted at around RMB80/kg.  

Most of the feed millers in China have stocked up sufficient inventory prior to the Chinese New Year holiday, which explains why procurement has yet to pick up.

Meanwhile, phosphate vitamin C (35% vitamin C) is generally quoted at around RMB65/kg and transacted at RMB60/kg. Locally produced coated vitamin C (approx. 97%) is generally quoted at RMB90/kg. Imported coated vitamin C (97% content) is quoted at around RMB110/kg and generally transacted at around RMB108/kg. 

China is the world's largest vitamin C producer and exporter. Among the major pharmaceutical factories in the country, there are no consistent quotations for vitamin C exports and the quotations may vary from market to market. Presently, FOB quotations for vitamin C exporting to the European market are relatively lower at about US$8/kg, and to other countries, at a range of US$8.5-9.0/kg.