June 4, 2026

 

EFL AG-DATA: Chinese methionine market softens as demand weakens despite high cost pressures

 

China's methionine market showed a generally soft and cautious tone across late May 2026, with prices easing or stabilising under the pressure of subdued feed demand and buyer resistance to high price levels.

 

In the week ended May 15, prices declined across both locally produced and imported dl-methionine as cautious purchasing curbed sales, with similar weakness seen in methionine hydroxy analogue and export markets.

 

By the week ended May 22, buying interest remained limited as feed producers stayed on the sidelines amid elevated price levels, leading to further slight declines in most domestic and export quotations. Despite this softening, prices remained significantly higher year-on-year, reportedly over 80% above previous levels, contributing to ongoing reluctance among buyers.

 

In the week ended May 29, the market stabilised as producers held firm on pricing due to persistently high production costs, even as underlying demand remained weak due to underperformance in the livestock sector.

 

Overall, the outlook remains constrained, with limited upward momentum expected as feed producers continue to avoid building high inventory levels.

 

High prices, coupled with cautious demand, curtailed the sales of methionine of late.

 

Transaction prices of locally produced dl-methionine in China decreased to ¥38/kg (US$5.28/kg) whereas those of imported products fell to ¥39.90/kg (US$5.54/kg).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices slid to ¥29/kg (US$4.03/kg), while those of imported varieties dropped to ¥29.20/kg (US$4.06/kg).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine dipped to US$5.08/kg. Exported prices of methionine hydroxy analogue dropped to US$3.88/kg.

 

The methionine market is expected to remain weak as buyers limit their purchases.

 

Feed producers were reluctant to place orders while prices remained high.

 

Transaction prices of locally produced dl-methionine in China dipped to ¥37.90/kg (US$5.26/kg) whereas those of imported products weakened to ¥40/kg (US$5.56/kg).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices dipped to ¥28.70/kg (US$3.99/kg), while those of imported varieties slid to ¥28.90/kg (US$4.01/kg).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine fell to US$5.10/kg. Exported prices of methionine hydroxy analogue softened to US$3.87/kg.

 

With prices higher by over 80% compared with a year ago, methionine sales are expected to stay slow.

 

Methionine demand was limited as the livestock market underperformed. Nonetheless, with production costs remaining high, methionine producers stood firm on prices.

 

Transaction prices of locally produced dl-methionine in China were firm at ¥38/kg (US$5.28/kg) whereas those of imported products remained at ¥40/kg (US$5.56/kg).

 

Local methionine hydroxy analogue prices were at ¥29/kg (US$4.03/kg), while those of imported varieties increased to ¥29.30/kg (US$4.07/kg).

 

Export prices of dl-methionine were stable at US$5.11/kg. Exported prices of methionine hydroxy analogue increased to US$3.91/kg.

 

The upward scope of the methionine market will be limited as feed producers are reluctant to stock high inventories.

 

- EFL AG-DATA