April 29, 2026

 

EFL AG DATA: China methionine market, week ended March 27 - April 24, 2026

 

Methionine markets experienced significant volatility from late March to April 2026.

 

Prices surged initially due to tight supply, elevated raw material costs, and disruptions linked to Middle East tensions affecting oil supply. By mid-April, the market remained firm as high production costs sustained price levels for both dl-methionine and its hydroxy analogue.

 

However, by late April, weakening demand and cautious purchasing by feed producers led to price declines. Increased imports into China also added pressure.

 

Despite earlier strength, persistently high prices began to curb consumption, signaling potential continued downward pressure and a more cautious market outlook in the near term.

  

Sharp price hikes (week ended March 27, 2026)

 

DL-methionine prices surged, with tight supplies and the costs of raw ingredients remaining high.

 

The transaction price of locally produced dl-methionine in China increased prominently to ¥45/kg (US$6.28), whereas those of imported products soared to ¥48.50/kg (US$6.77).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices consolidated lower at ¥27.90/kg (US$3.89), while those of imported varieties slid to ¥29.90/kg (US$4.17).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine surged to US$6.48/kg. Exported prices of methionine hydroxy analogue stayed at US$3.70/kg.

 

The methionine market is set to stay firm as the war in the Middle East disrupts oil supply globally.

 

Markets stay firm (week ended April 17, 2026)

 

High production costs continued to lend support to the methionine market.

 

The transaction price of locally produced dl-methionine in China stayed at ¥46.50/kg (US$6.67) whereas those of imported products remained at ¥50/kg (US$7.17/kg).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices strengthened to ¥34/kg (US$4.88), while those of imported varieties increased to ¥38.30/kg (US$5.49).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine were stable at US$6.67/kg. Exported prices of methionine hydroxy analogue increased to US$4.54/kg.

 

With oil prices staying high, methionine producers will stand firm on prices in the coming period.

 

Prices weaken on soft demand (week ended April 24, 2026)

 

Slack demand dragged down the prices of methionine while feed producers held back purchases.

 

Meanwhile, China imported 19,100 tonnes dl-methionine in March, surging 56% on-month, and up by 6.2% compared with a year ago. In January-March, 2026, China imported 47,000 tonnes of methionine, down by 1% compared with the same period in 2025.

 

The transaction price of locally produced dl-methionine in China dipped to ¥42.90/kg (US$6.15/kg) whereas those of imported products decreased to ¥44.90/kg (US$6.44/kg).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices slid to ¥29.60/kg (US$4.24), while those of imported varieties fell to ¥30/kg (US$4.30).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine softened to US$5.73/kg. Export prices of methionine hydroxy analogue dropped to US$3.96/kg.

 

High prices will curtail the sales of methionine, hence exerting pressure on the market.

  

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