methionine

China's methionine market was amply supplied in 2006. Demand had picked up only in the second half of the year. Consumption of liquid methionine increased slightly compared with the previous year. In 2006, total methionine supply (liquid methionine converted to 99 percent basis) was 101,200 tonnes, up 7.3 percent compared with the previous year. Most producers had modified their competitive activity as supply-demand dynamic changed and as prices reached a relatively high level. In 2007, total supply of methionine in China is forecast to reach 102,300 tonnes, marginally higher by 1.8 percent compared with 2006. Meanwhile, the constituent of supply is expected to change as well. Supply of dl-methionine is projected to be lower while the usage of liquid methionine is forecast to rise. Adisseo may have plans to build a new liquid methionine plant in China, which will bring a new dimension in to the industry in China and with implication for the global methionine market. Domestic demand for the amino acid is expected to rise in 2007, in line with the cyclical recovery in animal production.