Key Highlights This Week: Three ministries jointly issued a policy to promote the forage industry; the State Council Safety Committee reported the Jinhua "6·23" accident,Safety supervision across the cyanide industry has been enhanced. In H1 2026, China's vitamin exports registered growth in both volume and value compared with the same period of the previous year, and lysine exports recorded an 8.4% year-on-year rise. the betaine market maintained steady growth, and creatine market continued to rise.

I. Policy & Regulatory Updates

1. Three Ministries Jointly Issue Policy to Promote Forage Industry

According to industry media reports, in late July, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and the National Development and Reform Commission jointly issued the "Opinions on Promoting HighQuality Development of the Forage Industry", setting clear targets for highquality forage planting area and production. On the same day, the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration issued supporting subsidy policy details for forage collection, storage, and processing, providing central financial subsidies for equipment upgrades and warehouse construction of scaled forage processing enterprises.

Industry Impact: Forage and feed additive companies stand to benefit directly from this policy support, which is expected to generate substantial demand for feed additives in the coming years.

2. State Council Safety Committee Reports Jinhua "6·23" Accident – Cyanide Industry Supervision Upgraded

On July 24, the Office of the State Council Safety Committee issued a notification regarding the "6·23" deflagration accident in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, which involved a leak of cyanidecontaining materials during cyanide production. The company involved was Jinhua Gaoxin Safety Technology Co., Ltd. The notification explicitly requires a comprehensive risk assessment of the national cyanide industry.

Industry Impact: Safety supervision for cyanide and cyanidecontaining chemical production will be significantly upgraded. Chloroacetic acid (an upstream raw material for betaine and creatine) production involves highly toxic raw materials such as sodium cyanide, and the upstream of the methylamine industry chain is closely linked to chloroacetic acid. Companies are advised to closely monitor policy developments, assess whether their raw material supply channels may be affected, and prepare compliance contingency plans.

3. Ministry of Agriculture Launches 2026 Feed Quality & Safety Risk Monitoring

In late July, according to industry sources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs launched the 2026 feed quality and safety risk earlywarning monitoring program, focusing on heavy metals, melamine, and illegal use of veterinary drugs in feed, covering all 31 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities.

II. Industry Dynamics & Market Highlights

1. Lysine Exports Grow Significantly, Domestic Plants Undergo Maintenance

Export performance remained strong – according to customs data, in May 2026, China exported 97,000 tons of lysine and its salts/esters, up 8.4% yearonyear. Domestic plant maintenance is relatively concentrated. According to market sources, Meihua Group's amino acid production line was scheduled for maintenance, and Star Lake Yipin planned maintenance at its Inner Mongolia base, providing bottomline support for lysine prices.

2. China's Vitamin Exports in H1 2026: Volume and Value Up, European Market Remains High

According to customs data,  in the January–June period of 2026, China's vitamin exports reached approximately 210,000 tons, up 7.8% yearonyear, with export value of about US$2.12 billion, up 22.5% yearonyear, and an average export price increase of 14.0%.

European Market: According to market monitoring, vitamin A prices reached €6570/kg, and vitamin E reached €7578/kg, both at annual highs.

3. Betaine Market: Steady Growth Supported by Policy

According to industry data, China's compound betaine market size reached RMB 1.286 billion in 2025, up 9.3% yearonyear. Relevant policies of the Ministry of Agriculture have explicitly listed betaine as a key alternative to antibiotics in feed.

Demand growth was strongest in the layer and aquaculture sectors, with perton addition rates increasing from the previous year. The shipment share of coated slowrelease and thirdgeneration compound betaine products (combined with choline and B vitamins) continued to rise.

Industry Outlook: The betaine market is expected to reach RMB 1.405 billion for the full year, up 9.25% yearonyear.

4. Creatine Market: Rising Interest and Rapid Global Expansion

According to industry analysis, since 2025, creatine's online search volume and social media exposure have continued to increase, with public attention growing significantly yearonyear. The Nutrition Business Journal reported that creatine generated considerable incremental retail sales in the US market.

The global creatine supplement market is expected to grow rapidly. New product formats continue to emerge, including chewable tablets, gummies, and readytodrink beverages, which are expected to drive the next wave of market growth.

III. International Industry News

1. EU RASFF Reports Violations of Chinese Feed Additives

In July, the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) reported violations involving Chinese feed additive products (including betaine and choline chloride). Issues primarily involved nonsafety matters such as noncompliant labeling and incomplete documentation.

Industry Impact: Exporters are advised to reconfirm destination port customs clearance requirements before shipment, especially labeling content and completeness of test reports, and to confirm the latest inspection trends at destination ports with freight forwarders.

2. La Niña Continues to Affect South American Feed Material Production

According to the World Meteorological Organization's July report, the current La Niña event is still ongoing and is expected to persist through the end of 2026. Increased drought risk in South America may affect production of soybeans, corn, and other feed materials, potentially pushing up global feed material prices.

IV. Upcoming Trade Shows & Events

Disclaimer: The data in this report is sourced from public information and industry channels. It is for reference only and does not constitute investment advice.