Vitamin B4 Prices Plummet in Western Markets Amidst Declining Demand and Supply Surplus

Throughout April, the Western market witnessed a continued decrease in the prices of Vitamin B4, mirroring the trend seen in preceding months. This decline can be attributed to a sustained decrease in demand from end-user nutraceutical and healthcare sectors, coupled with an ample supply of Vitamin B4 in the market. Market players were primarily focused on depleting their existing stocks at reduced prices, contributing to a prevailing bearish sentiment across the market.

In April, official reports unveiled a deceleration in both manufacturing and service activities within China, signaling a slowdown in the world's second-largest economy as the second quarter commenced. The National Bureau of Statistics disclosed a drop in the manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) to 50.4 from March's 50.8, primarily due to weakened domestic demand. This deceleration reflects a loss of momentum in the manufacturing sector, consequently impacting the downward trend in Vitamin B4 prices. Moreover, the lack of urgency among central banks in developed economies such as the USA and Germany to lower interest rates has contributed to subdued external demand for Chinese goods. This, in turn, exerts further downward pressure on Vitamin B4 prices.

During the initial quarter of the year, the U.S. economy encountered a slowdown in growth, triggering concerns about its trajectory for the rest of the year. Economists emphasize the daunting task of achieving a "soft landing" for an overheated economy, where balancing the control of inflation with sustaining moderate growth proves challenging. Adding complexity, the nation faces its most pronounced inflationary period in four decades, placing heightened financial strain on consumers and reducing demand for Vitamin B4 in the market. Furthermore, business activity in the U.S. experienced its slowest expansion of the year in April, largely due to a decrease in demand. This development further reinforced the downward trend of Vitamin B4 prices.

The euro zone emerged from recession as its four leading economies fueled growth at a faster rate than expected, but the recent stagnation in inflation has put a brake on this momentum. In Germany, inflation surpassed forecasts in April, fueled by strong food and energy prices, tempering investors' hopes for multiple interest rate cuts this year. According to harmonized EU data released by Destatis, Germany's federal statistical agency, consumer prices rose by 2.4 percent in the year to April, up from 2.3 percent the previous month. This persistent inflationary pressure is expected to continue, potentially pushing headline inflation in Germany to 3 percent next month. The ongoing strain on consumer spending power has contributed to a decline in Vitamin B4 prices. While recent data suggest that the economy may be improving, particularly with Germany making progress in overcoming its internal challenges, concerns remain. The unexpected drop in sentiment observed in April adds weight to these concerns, further reinforcing the downward trend of Vitamin B4.

ChemAnalyst forecasts suggest that the Vitamin B4 market is set to remain subdued, with prices anticipated to continue their downward trend in the coming months. This decline is mainly due to lackluster demand for Vitamin B4 from end-user sectors. Furthermore, ongoing geopolitical tensions could exacerbate consumer apprehensions, thereby exacerbating the downward trajectory of Vitamin B4 prices.