For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Vitamin B4 Price Index fell by 6.6% quarter-over-quarter, amid inventory correction.
• The average Vitamin B4 price for the quarter was approximately USD 653.67/MT, reflecting mixed sourcing.
• Vitamin B4 Spot Price softened through July and August as buyers drew down safety stocks.
• Vitamin B4 Price Forecast suggests modest recovery risk into September as logistical constraints gradually ease.
• Vitamin B4 Production Cost Trend remained elevated from freight and input inflation, though transport eased.
• Vitamin B4 Demand Outlook is mixed; health and pharma steady, feed sector procurement weakened post-prebuying.
• Vitamin B4 Price Index volatility reflected shifting imports, port congestion, and distributors' conservative order strategies.
• Short term trading showed selective last-minute purchases ahead of tariffs, while inventories normalized; discounts emerged.
Why did the price of Vitamin B4 change in September 2025 in North America?
• Early aggressive import activity frontloaded demand, created temporary bottlenecks and later encouraged inventory liquidation thereafter.
• Inflationary input and freight pressures raised production economics initially, then moderated as container rates improved.
• Buyers shifted from precautionary restocking to cautious drawdown, reducing spot demand and easing price pressure.
APAC
• In China, the Vitamin B4 Price Index fell by 0.238% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting export-led cost pressures.
• The average Vitamin B4 price for the quarter was approximately USD 558.67/MT, supporting exporter offers.
• Tightened shipping schedules pushed the Vitamin B4 Spot Price higher, reducing immediate export availability briefly.
• Short-term Vitamin B4 Price Forecast indicates mild volatility, supported by restocking and logistics disruptions intermittently.
• Rising labor and freight costs influenced the Vitamin B4 Production Cost Trend, squeezing exporters' margins.
• Outlook shows Vitamin B4 Demand Outlook as frontloaded orders ease, seasonal restocking modestly supports activity.
• Elevated inventories reduced seller urgency, causing the Vitamin B4 Price Index to stabilize across regions.
• Major Chinese producers maintained measured output increases, balancing export commitments with cautious inventory management thus.
Why did the price of Vitamin B4 change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Export frontloading earlier in summer reduced immediate spot demand, contributing to softer prices in September.
• Removal of Peak Season Surcharge alleviated freight cost pressures somewhat, easing exporter pricing and lowering net offers.
• Slow port recoveries and typhoon disruptions delayed shipments, elevating uncertainty and suppressing aggressive buying interest.
Europe
• In Germany, the Vitamin B4 Price Index rose by 1.07% quarter-over-quarter, due to port congestion.
• The average Vitamin B4 price for the quarter was approximately USD 662.00/MT, supporting premium bids.
• Vitamin B4 Spot Price softened as inventories were used, reducing liquidity and compressing Price Index.
• The Vitamin B4 Price Forecast indicates upside as carriers reoptimize routes and port backlogs ease
• Vitamin B4 Production Cost Trend remained subdued as feedstock costs and manufacturing margins showed stability.
• Vitamin B4 Demand Outlook firm across nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals despite cautious purchasing and lean inventories.
• Inventory draws and export bookings tightened availability, nudging Vitamin B4 Price Index higher in autumn.
• Major importers accepted premiums to secure volumes; producers operated, supporting market balance and spot activity.
Why did the price of Vitamin B4 change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Severe port congestion and rerouted sailings delayed shipments, raising landed costs and tightening immediate supply.
• Early bulk purchases by distributors depleted spot availability, amplifying upward pressure despite stable domestic inflation.
• Lower Rhine water levels constrained barge logistics, increasing inland transport costs and complicating timely deliveries.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• The Vitamin B4 Price Index in the USA fell to USD 660/MT in April 2025, reflecting a weak demand outlook as importers held surplus inventories from Q1 frontloading. Spot price weakness was driven by cautious downstream purchasing and market absorption of tariff costs.
• In April, product demand outlook remained bearish as downstream buyers delayed purchases amid high inventory levels and uncertainty over tariff duration. This caused a drop in market activity and pressured suppliers to offer discounts.
• Despite a 145% tariff on Chinese imports, April saw ample product availability due to pre-emptive shipping, with many U.S. buyers deferring further procurement. This created downward momentum in the price index during the month.
• May 2025 witnessed a rebound in the Vitamin B4 Price Index to USD 680/MT, as the U.S. government granted a 90-day tariff waiver. This spurred a surge in import bookings, pushing logistics networks to full capacity.
• A dramatic 300% spike in freight bookings in May, combined with Peak Season Surcharges, caused a jump in landed costs. This contributed to a short-term rise in the product production cost trend and prompted buyers to secure future supplies early.
• Increased downstream consumption across dietary supplements and clinical nutrition drove up the product demand outlook in May. Simultaneously, anticipation of a general rate increase added urgency to procurement timelines.
• By June 2025, the Price Index jumped sharply to USD 760/MT, with sustained inflationary pressure and frontloaded Q3 buying causing significant tightness in port and warehouse logistics.
• U.S. importers aggressively advanced their purchasing schedules in June due to fears of tariff reinstatement and rising container freight rates, which resulted in reduced flexibility and price escalation.
• Strong offtake from nutraceuticals, fermentation, and animal feed sectors continued in June, but the price surge was largely driven by strategic inventory buildup and logistics-driven cost push—impacting both the product price forecast and current spot prices.
• In July 2025, Vitamin B4 prices are likely to increase moderately, though initial frontloading slowed slightly. Persistent congestion at U.S. ports and equipment delays suggest continued supply-side tightness. The Vitamin B4 spot price forecast points to firm prices through late July unless logistical bottlenecks ease.
APAC
• The Vitamin B4 Price Index in China fell by 4.35% in April 2025, with the product spot price touching USD 550/MT due to inventory overhang from March's frontloaded purchases amid tariff uncertainty.
• April’s weak product demand outlook and sluggish factory activity (PMI at 49.0) reflected manufacturing contraction and logistical congestion at ports.
• Despite exemption from new U.S. tariffs, buyers had already bulk-purchased in March, leading to muted April sales and lower product price forecast.
• In May, the Price Index rebounded by 1.82% to USD 560/MT, driven by rising international demand and strained container availability during the 90-day U.S.-China tariff reprieve.
• High freight rates and pre-June GRIs (General Rate Increases) created shipping pressure, giving Vitamin B4 exporters room to raise prices.
• Export-led demand surged in May, particularly from U.S. buyers, while downstream users in food and nutraceuticals maintained steady procurement.
• June saw continued upward momentum as the Price Index rose 1.79% to USD 570/MT, with global customers racing to ship before the August tariff window closes.
• Increased export commitments triggered higher production throughput, impacting the product production cost trend as factories scaled up cautiously.
• June’s product demand outlook remained strong from sectors like pharmaceuticals and animal health, aiding suppliers in executing price hikes.
• Product price forecast for July suggests a possible mild correction, as frontloaded orders ease and global buyers pause amid pricing uncertainty.
Europe
• In April 2025, the Vitamin B4 Price Index in Germany fell sharply by 5.88%, with spot prices at USD 640/MT, driven by oversupply from diverted US-bound cargo and early procurement by buyers ahead of the Labour Day holidays.
• The Vitamin B4 production cost trend remained stable, but large inventory buildup, consistent Asian imports, and favorable freight availability ensured landed costs stayed competitive, limiting price recovery prospects.
• Distribution inefficiencies due to port congestion in Hamburg and Rotterdam, combined with cautious offtake from nutraceutical and healthcare buyers, kept the Vitamin B4 demand outlook subdued.
• In May 2025, the Price Index rose slightly by 0.78% to USD 645/MT, supported by severe vessel delays, reduced Rhine navigability, and a rise in seasonal demand across the pharma and wellness sectors.
• Strategic supply constraints due to rerouted vessels and shrinking availability on Asia-Europe routes bolstered Vitamin B4 spot prices, while anticipation of a General Rate Increase (GRI) in June led to stronger forward bookings.
• A rebound in regional consumption, paired with capacity restrictions from shipping lines, created a competitive buying environment and improved Vitamin B4 demand outlook.
• In June 2025, the Price Index surged by 5.43% to USD 680/MT, as extreme congestion at ports and tightening import supply chains triggered early bulk procurement and pushed Vitamin B4 spot prices higher.
• Germany’s 2% inflation rate offered macro stability, but freight rerouting, delayed inland shipments, and tighter delivery windows spurred buyers to accept increased costs, influencing the Vitamin B4 production cost trend.
• Demand remained firm, but most downstream players accelerated restocking to hedge against expected disruptions in Q3, which supported the strong upward Vitamin B4 price forecast.
• For July 2025, the Vitamin B4 Price Index is expected to increase due to worsening Rhine barge logistics, persistent port congestion, and increased importer activity, sustaining momentum in Vitamin B4 spot prices and demand.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, Vitamin B4 prices in the USA exhibited significant volatility. January saw a notable price surge driven by anticipatory stockpiling before the imposition of a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, compounded by the Chinese Lunar New Year and rising energy costs. These factors strained supply chains and led to price hikes.
February, however, marked a price decline as supply increased due to higher Chinese manufacturing output and a drop in shipping costs. Despite these favorable supply conditions, weak demand, economic uncertainty, and concerns over future tariffs led to subdued buying activity. By March, prices rebounded as demand rose due to a reduction in inventory levels and increased caution around trade policy volatility. The Trump administration’s new tariffs, effective in March, prompted businesses to accelerate procurement, fearing further cost increases. Additionally, signs of easing inflation bolstered market sentiment, contributing to the price recovery.
The quarter was marked by significant fluctuations, driven by trade policy uncertainties, supply chain dynamics, and shifting economic conditions. As of the end of Q1, Vitamin B4 was priced at USD 735 per metric ton.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, Vitamin B4 prices in China experienced significant fluctuations driven by a mix of supply-demand dynamics and external trade factors. In January, prices rose sharply due to increased demand from industries like nutraceuticals and healthcare, coupled with pre-Lunar New Year production dips and anticipation of U.S. tariffs. Manufacturers and distributors secured advance orders to mitigate potential shortages, further driving prices up. February saw a price decline, as production rebounded post-holiday and weakened export competitiveness led to higher domestic inventories. At the same time, weak demand from both local and foreign markets, particularly in pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, contributed to the price drop. By March, prices rebounded, as supply struggled to keep pace with rising demand. Low inventory levels, combined with a boost in foreign and domestic buying activity, tightened the market and led to a modest price increase. This was further influenced by fiscal stimulus and restocking ahead of maintenance, making for a volatile but upward trend toward the end of the quarter. By the end of Q1, Vitamin B4 was priced at USD 575 per metric ton in China.
Europe
In Q1 2025, Vitamin B4 prices in Germany exhibited a highly volatile trend. January saw a significant price increase, fueled by improved economic sentiment, strong restocking activity, and early procurement ahead of Lunar New Year-related shipping delays through the Red Sea. Demand from the healthcare and nutraceutical sectors also strengthened amid better business confidence and favorable monetary conditions. However, February marked a sharp price correction as early stockpiling led to ample inventories. The Euro's appreciation and a steep decline in ocean freight rates enabled cheaper imports, while political and economic uncertainty during the election period dampened downstream demand. Suppliers reduced prices to remain competitive. In March, the market rebounded strongly, with prices surging due to supply tightness and intensifying restocking. Disruptions in Northern European logistics corridors triggered delivery delays, prompting aggressive buying from pharmaceutical and nutritional supplement manufacturers. The resulting supply-demand imbalance enabled suppliers to raise prices significantly. By the end of Q1, Vitamin B4 was priced at USD 680 per metric ton.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In Q4 2024, Vitamin B4 prices in the USA displayed significant fluctuations driven by a combination of demand, supply chain disruptions, and economic factors. In October, prices surged due to increased demand from key sectors, a boost in consumer confidence following Federal Reserve rate cuts, and severe supply chain disruptions caused by labor strikes at East and Gulf Coast ports.
November saw continued price increases as demand remained high, fueled by a strong consumer outlook, seasonal preparation, and concerns about labor strikes in January, which led to proactive purchasing. However, in December, Vitamin B4 prices dropped due to a decline in consumer confidence, reduced demand during the holiday season, and rising inflation. Inventory buildup in anticipation of the Chinese Lunar New Year and potential labor strikes ensured a balanced supply, pushing prices down. Additionally, uncertainty surrounding tariffs further dampened market activity, with many buyers opting to wait, contributing to the price decline.
Overall, Q4 witnessed volatility in Vitamin B4 prices, marked by rising demand followed by market caution.
Asia Pacific
In the fourth quarter of 2024, Vitamin B4 prices in China experienced fluctuations, driven by a range of economic and market conditions. In October, prices saw a slight rise, buoyed by China's manufacturing sector's recovery and government stimulus measures. This expansion sparked increased domestic and export demand, further supported by a weaker yuan, which made exports more competitive. November saw a notable price increase, driven by robust factory activity, particularly in export orders, and rising input costs, which manufacturers passed onto consumers. The yuan's depreciation continued to encourage international demand. However, in December, prices fell due to subdued consumer demand and broader economic slowdown. A decrease in both domestic and international orders, especially from major markets like the US and Germany, led to an oversupply of Vitamin B4. In response, suppliers reduced prices to clear excess inventory, resulting in the decline. This Q4 trend reflects a balance between economic recovery-driven price hikes and a year-end dip due to weaker demand.
Europe
In Q4 2024, Vitamin B4 prices in Germany displayed a mixed trend, influenced by a combination of demand and supply-side factors. October saw a slight increase in prices due to improved business morale, boosted by optimism about economic recovery and the European Central Bank’s interest rate cut. Suppliers worked to build inventories ahead of expected Christmas slowdowns, while supply chain disruptions, including port congestion and longer transit times, added upward pressure. November brought further price increases driven by heightened demand from the nutraceutical and healthcare sectors, a proactive inventory buildup for the holiday season, and higher freight rates following General Rate Increases (GRIs) in Asia-Europe shipping. However, the depreciation of the euro added costs for German buyers. In December, prices dropped due to weak demand from key sectors, cautious buying amid economic instability, and ample inventory levels. Additionally, winter weather slowed both consumer spending and logistics, leading to deferred purchasing decisions and a reduction in overall market activity, which contributed to the price decline.
