Global raw material supply and demand status:lipoic acid, vitamin C, citric acid

According to a report by the United States e-commerce platform IngredientsOnline, China's raw material exports are increasing in June, but it still faces the problem of shortage of shipping space. This is because the lack of labor in US ports makes it difficult for exporters to order enough containers on the returning cargo ship. However, with the restart of the US states, the situation will be eased.

 The situation in India is different. The country's blockade measures have been extended to June 30, most of the factories are still closed, and the transportation schedule is still not guaranteed.

 From the US side, raw materials related to supporting the immune system and controlling emotions remain popular. Demand for fitness materials is weak, but as states restart, demand in this segment is expected to pick up.

5-hydroxytryptophan

The new harvest is in place and ready for production, so the new 5-hydroxytryptophan will arrive in June or July. The price of new products is expected to be slightly higher than in the past.

 alpha-lipoic acid

The price in May rose by 10% from February. Large production plants have placed orders until at least mid-June.

ascorbic acid

China's US Pharmacopoeia grade ascorbic acid (vitamin C) production has been normal, but market demand for DC 97 ascorbic acid remains strong. The price rose rapidly from March to April, but now it seems to be stable and even slightly weak. Many factories are working hard to produce more DC 97 to meet rising demand.

L-ascorbyl palmitate

Prices have risen and supply is currently tight. The orders have been filled until June, and each factory will work hard to receive more orders.

Ashwagandha extract

Affected by the outbreak in India, supply is very volatile. India's blockade order was extended to June 30, so it is strongly recommended to place an order in advance to avoid supply problems.

 β-glucan

Supply and prices have been stable. The strength of each factory is very strong, and it can respond to the impact of the epidemic with strong supply chain capabilities. The supply of 70% β-glucan has been stable, but 85% β-glucan has experienced delayed delivery, and it is expected that the airborne products will arrive in June.

 Biotin

The supply is very tight and the price is high. The supply of starting materials used to make biotin is also very tight.

Calcium ascorbate/sodium ascorbate

Most factories are busy with the production of raw material ascorbic acid. The output of sodium ascorbate/calcium is still insufficient to meet demand, so prices remain high. As summer approaches, various factories may shut down for high-temperature maintenance, which may further lead to tight supply and higher prices.

 Carnitine series products

Due to the limited output of major factories, the supply of this series of products is in short supply and prices are rising. This has been the case for some time. Although the factory resumes production, the high temperature in summer may lead to the suspension of production and maintenance. It is expected that the tight supply will continue for some time.

Chondroitin sulfate

The price of the raw material is still falling, but to a lesser extent. China Customs has suspended the issuance of Veterinary Inspection Certificates for goods exported to Europe, resulting in a backlog of most factory products and making competition in other markets more intense.

Citric acid (US Pharmacopoeia grade)

Prices rose slightly for two reasons: Thailand’s production was hit by the epidemic; affected by the US epidemic, freight and storage costs increased.

The lead time (order to delivery time) has also been slightly extended.

 Coenzyme Q10 (US Pharmacopoeia Grade)

Supply is stable and at a high level, but output and export volume are only about 1/3 of last year.

Creatine Monohydrate

From April to May, demand declined and prices tended to be weak. The "home order" may be one of the factors for consumers to reduce fitness. It is expected that the prices will remain the same for the next 1-2 months, but will gradually increase as companies resume work.

 DL-malic acid

Due to environmental governance factors, a large plant producing DL-malic acid is undergoing relocation. Affected by the epidemic, the labor cost of the plant has also increased significantly. For these two reasons, the price of malic acid has increased slightly.

 Echinacea purpurea

Last year's inventory was sold out. New goods will arrive after harvest in June. The arrival date is expected to be in late June or early July. The price has increased by 20%, but the next 2-3 months should be slightly lowered after the arrival of new goods.

 95% fructooligosaccharide/maltodextrin

Because of the epidemic, the market demand for this product continues to rise. The price of 95% fructooligosaccharide/maltodextrin has also increased slightly due to the rising price of corn as the starting material.

 Glucosamine

The price of glucosamine has been stable for some time, but it should hit the lowest point in the past two years. In the past three months, the sales of this raw material have been very good. Now that the harvest season is in place, the starting materials for glucosamine are in place and ready for production.

Green coffee beans

Supply is greater than the increase in demand, so prices have fallen slightly.

Inulin

Spring has always been the best season for harvesting inulin starting materials, but due to the epidemic situation, the limited harvest volume has resulted in insufficient starting materials and low inulin production. The new harvest season is November, and supply will continue to be tight until then.