China Feed Additives Market Assessment, By Product Type, By Livestock, By Source, By Form, By End-user, By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

China feed additives market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.00% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 4.26 billion in 2023 to USD 6.79 billion in 2031. Various drivers contribute to this growth, for instance, increasing demand for high quality animal products such as meat, milk, and eggs. Due to the increasing income levels among individuals in China, there is an upsurge in desire for protein enriched food, which has resulted in great increase in consumption of livestock products. As a result, this creates a demand for high-quality feed supplements that promote growth in animals, increase feed conversion rates, and contribute to the general well-being of farm animals.

Furthermore, the expansion of the market is being contributed by government rules and regulations that promote feed safety while minimizing antibiotic usage in animal husbandry. There are more natural or organic feed additives, including enzymes, amino acids, and probiotics, being used to replace traditional antibiotics and growth promoters since there is a growing emphasis on sustainable and safe food production.

Additionally, the growing livestock industry, specifically in regard to poultry, swine, and aquaculture, is fueling the need for feed additives. Innovation in specialized feed formulations designed to meet the diverse nutritional needs of different livestock species is a major driver for the growth of this sector. To introduce advanced and affordable solutions, leading players, both domestic and international in China feed additives market, have engaged research and development. Hence, the market is projected to grow significantly in the forecast years which makes it an integral part of China's overall agricultural or food industry.

In June 2023, China's business of Oil-Dri Corporation of America's animal health division, Amlan International, strategically streamlined its distribution process by selecting Beijing Zhongnong Pasture Biotechnology Co., Ltd. as the primary distributor of Amlan's products in China to boost productivity. Amlan's full range of products, including Calibrin-Z and Calibrin-A products, and others, such as NeoPrime and Varium, will be promoted by the distributing partners in China.

Growing Methionine Usage Influence Market Expansion

Methionine is profoundly influencing the market for feed additives in China as it improves livestock nutrition and productivity. Methionine is one of the most important amino acids as it promotes growth by aiding protein synthesis, increasing feed intake efficiency, and maintaining general health in animals. This has led to a rising demand for high quality animal products that necessitate optimal animal nutrition, therefore methionine has become an important additive, especially in pig and chicken diets.

Methionine enhances protein usage, which is one of the main advantages in livestock rearing so as to reduce the total amount of proteins in feeds without diminishing animals' performance. This makes it reasonable hence motivating many people to include it in their feeding concoctions. Furthermore, there is rising demand for this compound in China due to the expanding poultry industry in the country.

In August 2023, China National Bluestar (Group) Co, Ltd. (Adisseo) announced plans to construct a new 150-Ktons-per-year powder methionine factory in the Chinese province of Fujian. An estimated USD 680 million will be invested, anticipating the facility to become operational by 2027. The initiative offers substantial support for both national food security and the sustainability of agriculture since it will help stabilize and increase food productivity in China.

Favorable Government Initiatives to Impact Market Growth

The growth of China feed additives market is being significantly driven by certain favorable government initiatives. These initiatives, which are part of the Chinese government's stringent regulations to improve food safety, aim at reducing the use of antibiotics in animal feeds. As a result, alternative feed additives such as enzymes, probiotics, and organic acids have been introduced to promote animal health and productivity without any adverse impact on them. Such a transition away from antibiotics is consistent with global trends and ensures that Chinese livestock products correspond to international safety standards, thus enhancing their export potential.

In January 2024, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA) of China revised the feed ingredient catalog and approved new feed and feed additive varieties. Potassium bicarbonate, suggesting for nursing dairy cows at a dosage of 0.34%, was included in the Catalog of Feed Additive Varieties. Furthermore, the catalog includes cassava polysaccharide iron, which is advised for post-weaning piglets at a dosage of 100-150 mg/kg.

Moreover, through research and campaigns that provide funds to livestock feed additives technology, the government is making efforts to modernize its agriculture. Through these campaigns, there is a greater emphasis on research to boost livestock productivity and increase sustainability.

Amino Acids Hold a Larger Market Share

The leading position of amino acids in China feed additives market can be attributed to their contribution to animal nutrition and increasing appetite for quality livestock products. Amino acids, including methionine, lysine, and threonine, play an important role in protein synthesis, growth, and general health of animals. Feed formulation with amino acids is becoming more common due to livestock producers striving for improved feed efficiency and reduced expenses.

In addition, major consumers of amino acids such as expanding poultry and swine industries influence their large market share. Primarily, chickens entirely depend on proteins such as methionine that cannot be synthesized by the animals but rather fed through the diet. This reliance leads to high demand for these supplements.

Furthermore, the shift to sustainable animal husbandry has heightened the significance of amino acids. Thereby, optimizing protein utilization reduce nitrogen disposal, hence minimizing the environmental impacts of animal farming. This environmental advantage in combination with their important dietary function consolidates amino acid as a key component in China feed additives market.

In April 2024, Evonik Industries AG displayed its amino acids portfolio, including MetAMINO for monogastric animals and Mepron for ruminants, and others at China Feed Industry Expo 2024. Additionally, a hands-on demonstration of the AMINONIR analytical service was available to visitors at the booth.

Future Market Scenario (2024 - 2031F)

The feed additive market is set to grow due to the increasing demand for poultry, swine, and aquaculture production. This will lead to the formulation of new feeds tailored to their individual nutritional needs, resulting in market diversification and growth.

Innovations that enhance feed efficiency, minimize waste, and improve the ecological footprint of livestock production are expected to gain an edge over the current additives portfolio.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

The key players in China feed additives market are positioned to capitalize on the industry's growth, driven by increasing demand for high-quality animal products and the shift towards sustainable livestock practices. These companies are focusing on expanding their product portfolios, particularly in the areas of amino acids, probiotics, enzymes, and other specialized additives that enhance feed efficiency and animal health.

Investment in research and development is a priority for market leaders, as they seek to innovate and offer advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of livestock producers. It includes the development of precision nutrition technologies and eco-friendly additives that align with global sustainability trends.

Strategic collaborations and partnerships also mark the competitive landscape, as companies aim to strengthen their market presence and expand their distribution networks in China. For instance, in October 2023, Evonik Industries AG and Shandong Vland Biotech formed a joint venture, Evonik Vland Biotech (Shandong) Co. Ltd, in China aim to optimize the digestive health of farmed animals. The two companies have agreed to integrate their gut health businesses, which include probiotics and formulated products, into the joint venture to service China, Macau, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.