As the month of May 2024 draws to a close, the Lactic Acid market is expected to maintain its upward trajectory globally, with prices settling at elevated levels. This price surge is driven by a combination of factors, including robust demand from various end-user industries, escalating costs of raw materials required for production, and constrained supply due to limited inventories held by market players. In response to these market conditions, Lactic Acid manufacturers and traders have been implementing price hikes to maintain profitability and capitalize on the strong demand environment.

A key factor contributing to the upward trend in Lactic Acid prices has been the escalation in raw material costs, specifically for corn and corn starch in China. During the month of May, China’s domestic corn market prices maintained an upward trajectory, consequently exerting upward pressure on the costs associated with corn starch production. As corn starch prices climbed, downstream buyers across the globe exhibited a stronger willingness to build inventories, alleviating the accumulation situation within the corn starch industry. Supported by both rising costs and robust demand, domestic corn starch market prices continued their ascent. This increase in corn starch prices subsequently translated into higher production costs for Lactic Acid manufacturers, ultimately driving up prices across the globe.

The latest data indicates that China's manufacturing sector experienced a slight decline but remained in the expansion zone, signifying a sustained industrial rebound expected to continue into the second quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The ongoing growth in manufacturing activity suggests steady demand for various goods within the domestic Chinese market, including nutraceutical products like Lactic Acid. Additionally, new export orders saw a significant increase, highlighting the resilience of Western economies and further driving the upward pricing trend for Lactic Acid.

The Eurozone has successfully emerged from an economic recession, with its four largest economies experiencing stronger-than-expected growth. Recent economic data shows that the Eurozone's recovery efforts are paying off, transitioning from the previous recessionary period. As domestic economic conditions have improved, consumers are now more inclined to spend, leading to increased demand for commodities like Lactic Acid within the Eurozone. Similarly, in the USA, the economy is on a path to a soft landing, contrary to earlier forecasts of a sharp downturn. Despite cost concerns, consumers remain resilient and willing to spend, as reflected in strong retail sales figures. This increase in consumer activity has boosted the demand for Lactic Acid.

According to ChemAnalyst's analysis, the prices of Lactic Acid continue to rise, driven by sustained demand from end-user industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare. It is anticipated that central banks in Western countries may implement cuts in key interest rates, which could ease the financial burden on consumers. This would support the upward trend in Lactic Acid prices and maintain market optimism.