China dominates the market for key feed ingredients

A study published on November 13 by the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) showed that China controls a significant share of global capacity and production of key vitamins and amino acids used in food products for animals and humans. This poses a threat to U.S. food security.

Responding to the report, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) called on lawmakers, trade representatives, and the food and agricultural sectors to join forces to reduce the risk of potential disruptions in the supply of vitamins and amino acids to the United States.

“For many years, the animal feed industry has warned that China’s growing and dominant influence over the vitamin and amino acid supply chain creates serious risks for the food security of Americans, farmers, and the animals that feed us,” said Constance Cullman, AFIA president and CEO. “The new IFEEDER data makes it impossible to continue ignoring this threat.”

The report was released amid heightened trade tensions between the U.S. and China. Experts examined global flows of vitamins and amino acids and consulted with nutritionists to evaluate how even small reductions in availability could affect animal health and production of animal-based foods. The results showed that even minimal supply disruptions could immediately worsen animal health and reduce food output.

The study analyzed the most critical vitamins and amino acids, including vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B7, B12, D3, and E, as well as lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and methionine.

Data from 2020–2024 indicate that the U.S. depends on China for 78% of imported vitamins and 62% of global production of amino acids used in feed, pet food, and pharmaceuticals. For some ingredients, such as biotin, China supplies 100% of the global market. As AFIA notes, the U.S. has virtually no alternative suppliers.

Strategy for Ensuring Resilience

Given this information, AFIA plans to develop a strategy with industry partners to identify and prioritize the most critical vitamins and amino acids requiring urgent action. The goal is to outline ways in which the White House, Congress, and the industry can diversify supply chains and prevent loss of production capacity and declines in food output.

“Addressing the potential threat to supply chains requires joint efforts from the industry and all levels of government,” Cullman emphasized. “The animal feed industry greatly appreciates the efforts of the Trump administration and lawmakers in discussing this vital issue and looks forward to working with all participants in the food chain to create science-based solutions that ensure a reliable future for food and feed supplies.”

She noted that vitamins A, D, and E are critical for the growth and productivity of livestock and poultry. Their diets are formulated based on decades of research and testing, making the U.S. food industry one of the most efficient and resilient in the world.

According to the report, U.S. livestock and poultry feed contains approximately 425,236 tonnes of four major amino acids and 48,903 tonnes of supplemental vitamins annually. Previous IFEEDER research showed that in 2023 these animals consumed around 250 million tonnes of feed, which includes various levels of vitamin and amino acid supplements essential for health and efficient production of meat, milk, and eggs.

Although vitamins and amino acids make up a small share of total feed volumes, their availability directly affects the production of animal protein and dairy products, which provide essential nutrition for the U.S. population.

The report also highlights the cascading effects of shortages. For example, lysine affects egg size, shell strength, and protein quality in laying hens — and therefore the quantity and shelf stability of eggs available in stores. Another example: animals with sufficient vitamin A reach market weight faster and more efficiently, helping ensure stable and accessible protein supplies.

Tags: China, animal feed