December 28, 2004
Prices of Vitamin C Products in China Mostly Weak; Export Prices Marginally Higher
An eFeedLink Exclusive Report
I. Price Summary
Prices of vitamin C products in China were mostly lower in recent days. According to major local pharmaceuticals companies, there was more requisition for price quotes lately but the volume of transaction remained flat.
As at December 27, prices of vitamin C products in China are as follows:
|
Region |
Vitamin C contents |
Prices as at December 20(RMB/kg) |
Prices as at December 27(RMB/kg) |
Price Changes (RMB/kg) |
|
Vitamin C Raw Materials | ||||
|
|
98% |
45 |
45 |
0 |
|
|
99% |
42 |
41 |
-1 |
|
|
99% |
45 |
43 |
-2 |
|
|
99% |
45 |
43 |
-2 |
|
|
99% |
42 |
40 |
-2 |
|
|
99% |
45 |
42 |
-3 |
|
Coated Ascorbic Acid | ||||
|
|
93% |
70 |
70 |
0 |
|
|
93% |
49 |
49 |
0 |
|
|
97% |
50 |
48 |
-2 |
|
|
97% |
52 |
50 |
-2 |
|
L-Ascorbate-2-Phosphate | ||||
|
Whole China market |
Imported (35%) |
75 |
70 |
-5 |
|
Whole China market |
Locally Produced (35%) |
34 |
34 |
0 |
| Remarks: Prices indicated above are representative and are for reference only. | ||||
Reportedly, Chinese State Pharmaceutical Administration and major pharmaceuticals companies are now in the process of mapping out year 2005's vitamin C market development plan, and so far no any new measures have been announced yet.
Analysts expect prices of vitamin C products in China to remain dismal in the near term, if there is no new fresh lead emerged in the markets.
II. Exports of China's Vitamin C Raw Materials
Recent export prices of China's locally produced vitamin C raw materials have moved higher from last week. However, with the influence of the recent festive holidays, the export volume remained relatively light.
As at December 27, offer prices of China's produced vitamin C raw materials for exports to European and American markets hover at the level of US$4.50/kg, up US$0.20/kg from last week. Offer prices for exports to Southeast Asian and African countries are US$5.00/kg, a rise of US$0.20/kg from last week.
Some major producers revealed that they have export contracts to fulfill till March 2005. With uncertainty in export markets ahead, some producers have reportedly stopped issuing offer prices for delivery in April and May 2005.
