The global market for lysine hydrochloride is showing a clear split between trends in food-grade and feed-grade demand. While prices for feed-grade lysine hydrochloride are expected to decline in both producing and importing countries, the outlook for food-grade lysine hydrochloride remains optimistic.

On the demand side, feed-grade lysine hydrochloride (mainly used in animal feed) is forecasted to continue its price drop. This is due to factors such as increased production from key Asian suppliers, lower buying activity from importing countries, and improved logistics that have eased previous supply chain disruptions. Additionally, stronger purchasing has led to higher inventories, which supports the ongoing price decline as current trade focuses on reducing surplus stock.

Furthermore, abundant grain harvests are decreasing the need for synthetic amino acids like lysine hydrochloride in animal nutrition. In contrast, food-grade lysine hydrochloride is anticipated to experience price rises in May 2025. This higher-quality amino acid, commonly used in human nutrition, sports supplements, and pharmaceuticals, is benefiting from growing demand driven by health-conscious consumers and the nutraceutical sector’s expansion. Coupled with rising domestic prices and production difficulties tied to stringent quality requirements, these factors are pushing up export and import costs for food-grade lysine hydrochloride.

Adding to this dynamic is the recent U.S. tariff on Chinese-origin amino acid additives, including lysine hydrochloride, which is expected to cause divergent pricing trends. Feed-grade lysine hydrochloride may face downward pressure as buyers shift from China to Southeast Asian suppliers amid already high inventory levels. Conversely, food-grade lysine hydrochloride is likely to sustain its upward price momentum due to the limited number of alternative suppliers outside China and forward buying by importers aiming to avoid future price hikes.

Overall, the contrasting price movements for lysine hydrochloride reflect broader volatility within the amino acid market. Importers are navigating supply shortages in some regions alongside oversupply in others, complicating trading conditions. Market analysts therefore advise close monitoring of these trends. Feed producers might postpone large purchases, while manufacturers in the pharmaceutical and food sectors are recommended to secure supplies early to hedge against rising costs in food-grade lysine hydrochloride.