North America:

In the second quarter of 2023, the vitamin C market in North America underwent a bearish price trend. Price discussions for CFR Los Angeles witnessed a decline from $4,550 per metric ton to $4,020 per metric ton between April and June 2023, marking a 1.1% decrease over the quarter. The demand for vitamin C from end-users in the food and beverage, cosmetics, and nutraceutical industries in the US was marginally lower due to ample stocks at suppliers. Corresponding with energy prices, inflation in the country experienced a modest decrease. However, industry experts point out that despite the decline in energy prices, underlying inflation remains elevated and surpasses the Federal Reserve's target. They also suggest that the temporary fall in inflation, attributed to eased supply chain pressures, is not indicative of a sustained trend. Despite varied perspectives on vitamin prices, the nutraceuticals market in the country demonstrated diverse market patterns. A consistently robust labor market continues to bolster economic growth through wage increases, potentially contributing to inflation. This situation is likely to prompt another interest rate hike by the Fed in July. However, the overall state of the US economy remains uncertain, leading market participants in the dietary supplement and food industries to maintain a cautious wait-and-see approach.

Asia Pacific:

The second quarter of 2023 witnessed a deteriorating price trend in the Asia-Pacific vitamin C market. Price negotiations for FOB Shanghai, China, for Vitamin C USP grade fell from $2,900 per tonne to $2,580 per tonne between April and June 2023. This persistent price decline began in the first half of Q2 2023 as demand for vitamin C from end-users in the food and beverage, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics sectors declined both regionally and internationally. Lower demand and inquiries from local and international consumers compelled Chinese vitamin C producers to sell the product at reduced margins throughout the quarter. According to statistics, China's manufacturing activity contracted for the third consecutive month in June, albeit at a slower pace, prompting calls for additional stimulus to support an economy that is leveling off after an initially strong post-COVID rebound in the first quarter. The June PMI highlighted various imbalances and weaknesses, including sustained declines in domestic and external demand, an accelerated slowdown in small business activity, and ongoing pressures on the private sector.

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Europe:

The second quarter of 2023 presented a bearish scenario for the German vitamin C market, with price discussions for CFR Hamburg slipping slightly from USD 3,750 per tonne to USD 3,550 per tonne. The price decline was supported by reduced demand from downstream sectors amidst ample supplier inventories. Gas prices in Europe hit their lowest levels in April since the onset of the energy crisis, fostering optimism for a robust economic recovery and facilitating trade from Asia. As European economic conditions slightly improved, the European Union (EU) aimed to decrease reliance on Chinese imports by boosting its manufacturing industry. To preempt potential shortages, stockpiling in warehouses led to lower price margins later in the second quarter. Although inflation in Germany rose by more than 6% in June, its impact on the country's vitamin C industry is yet to be discerned. Market players, akin to global sentiments, remain skeptical about the country's economic situation, adopting a cautious wait-and-see approach.