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Vitamin A Price Trend and Forecast

⟳ Weekly Update
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Historical Data Since 2015
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Forecast for 2026
  • Commodity Pricing

vitamin a Price Trends by Country

cnChina

Global vitamin a Spot Market Prices, Trend Analysis and Forecast

Price Watch™ provides price assessments for Vitamin A (Retinol) across top trading regions:

Asia-Pacific

  • Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate 1.0 MIU/g (Feed Grade) (Powder) FOB Shanghai, China
  • Vitamin A (Retinol) Palmitate 1.7 MIU/g (Food Grade) (USP) (Liquid) FOB Shanghai, China
  • Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate 1.0 MIU/g (Feed Grade) (Powder) Ex-Zhejiang, China
  • Vitamin A (Retinol) Palmitate 1.7 MIU/g (Food Grade) (USP) (Liquid) Ex-Zhejiang, China

 

Note: In assessments structured as CIF [Importing Port] (Exporting Country), the country mentioned in brackets indicates the primary origin of supply (exporting country), while the named port refers to the destination port in the importing country. Other Incoterms (FOB, FD, EXW, etc.) should be interpreted in accordance with standard international trade definitions

Vitamin A (Retinol) Price Trend Q4 2025

In Q4 2025, the Vitamin A (Retinol Acetate and Palmitate) market in China has remained under downward pressure, with prices having declined by 11-12% for Retinol Acetate and 4-5% for Vitamin A Palmitate on a quarter-on-quarter basis. The market dynamics have been shaped by subdued demand across feed, nutraceutical, and food-fortification sectors, alongside steady production rates and ample inventory availability. Retinol Acetate (Feed Grade) has witnessed a sharper correction due to weak procurement from livestock and premix industries and competitive domestic pricing.

In contrast, Vitamin A Palmitate (Food Grade) has recorded a relatively moderate decline, supported by stable consumption in food and nutrition applications. Overall, the market has maintained a bearish tone throughout the quarter, with limited export momentum and cautious buying behaviour having prevented any price recovery.

China: Vitamin A (Retinol) Export prices FOB Shanghai, China

In Q4 2025, Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate 1.0 MIU/g (Feed Grade, Powder) prices in China have declined significantly, registering an 11.61% quarter-on-quarter decrease. The decline has been driven by muted demand from feed and premix manufacturers, sufficient domestic availability, and competitive offers from key producers, which have kept market sentiment weak. Similarly, Vitamin A Palmitate 1.7 MIU/g (Food Grade, USP, Liquid) prices have also softened, reflecting a 4.55% decline over the quarter.

The moderate decrease has been attributed to cautious buying from food and nutraceutical sectors, along with stable operating rates and comfortable inventory levels among suppliers. Export demand has remained limited for both grades, reinforcing the overall downward pricing trend. Despite ongoing pressure, the market has maintained stability within defined ranges, with supply-demand balance expected to continue influencing pricing into the upcoming quarter

Vitamin A Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2025

The global Vitamin A (Retinol) market experienced a largely bearish tone in Q3 2025 with clear regional variation across feed-grade and food-grade applications. Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate price trend saw variations of 15-20% and Vitamin A (Retinol) Palmitate fluctuated by 10-12%.

These price changes reflected the impact of weak demand from livestock, premix, food-fortification, and nutrition sectors, as well as normal production levels from major manufacturers in China. A surplus of Vitamin A (Retinol) both stimulated competitive export offers and lenders in preference to a cautious purchasing program from key consuming regions further affected downward price pressures.

Increased logistics efficiencies and raw material costs stabilised prices. Current levels of volume mean that the market has remaining stability from consistent base level consumption and some selective restocking activity. In the coming quarter, price recovery will depend on regional shifts in demand, export competitiveness, and the ability of key suppliers to avoid aggressive production levels.

China: Vitamin A (Retinol) Export prices FOB Shanghai, China.

According to Price-Watch, during the third quarter of 2025, the price of Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate 1.0 MIU/g (Feed Grade, Powder) and Vitamin A Palmitate 1.7 MIU/g (Food Grade, USP, Liquid) in China saw significant downward adjustments attributable to weak demand and good supply. The demand from the feed and premix manufacturers was quite tepid, affecting Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate prices in China sharply lower.

Given the competitive offers from domestic suppliers and stable production, the Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate price trend persisted between USD 19,500-21,500 price range per metric ton. Likewise, the price for Vitamin A (Retinol) Palmitate experience decreased as purchasing from the food, nutrition and fortification buyers was cautious, producers remain consistent with operating rates to create sufficient materials available to pressure prices downward, maintaining commodity prices in the USD 58,500-60,500 range per metric ton.

The market sentiment for both products remained bearish amidst weak downstream consumption and muted export activity. The prices for Vitamin A (Retinol) Acetate and Vitamin A (Retinol) Palmitate declined in September 2025 by 19.69% and 12.51%, respectively, fueled by additional supply-side pressure and power purchasing behaviour, which continues to shape pricing into the next quarter.

At the beginning of Q1 2025, according to PriceWatch, the Vitamin A Acetate 1Miu/g (Feed Grade) market in China saw a steep correction, with prices falling to USD 32,140/MT FOB China, down -28.70% from Q4. This was mainly driven by weaker domestic demand from the livestock and poultry feed industries, which scaled back purchases following heavy buying in late 2024. With feed manufacturers sitting on ample inventories, spot demand was sluggish.

Additionally, production at major Chinese plants remained stable, creating a supply overhang and downward price pressure. The Vitamin A Palmitate 1.7Miu/g (Food Grade) market also faced a substantial decline, with prices dropping to USD 70,150/MT FOB China, a -23.90% change.

The food and beverage industry in China slowed down after the Lunar New Year period, and most formulators operated with existing stockpiles. The absence of any immediate regulatory or supply constraints further contributed to the price decline.

 

Vitamin A Price Trend Analysis: Q4 2024

In Q4 2024, the Vitamin A Acetate (Feed Grade) market in China retreated from the sharp Q3 highs, with prices declining to USD 45,080/MT FOB China, a -38.09% drop. Domestic feed producers reduced purchases due to inventory saturation and uncertainty over demand in early 2025. Meanwhile, production at major domestic vitamin manufacturers normalized, adding to the available volumes. The year-end period also typically sees reduced procurement as businesses balance year-end accounts.

In contrast, the Vitamin A Palmitate (Food Grade) market remained steady, with prices increasing to USD 92,180/MT FOB China, up +6.14%. Demand from the local food processing sector picked up ahead of seasonal promotions and product launches. The fortified dairy and functional food segments were especially active, supporting price firmness. Short-term supply disruptions due to maintenance at a few regional plants also contributed to stronger domestic pricing. 

In Q3 2024, Prices of Vitamin A Acetate spiked to USD 72,810/MT FOB China, soaring +246.71% from Q2. The surge was triggered domestically by stringent environmental inspections that forced shutdowns at several large producers in Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces. For example, Zhejiang NHU and Kingdomway temporarily halted operations to comply with tightened emission standards.

This significantly reduced local availability, sparking panic buying from distributors and large feed mills in key provinces like Shandong and Sichuan. Buyers rushed to secure volumes in anticipation of further shortages in Q4, creating a price rally across the feed industry. Compounding the domestic tightness, a major global disruption added fuel to the fire. 

For Instance – “On July 29, 2024, a fire broke out at BASF’s isophytol plant in Ludwigshafen, Germany, a key upstream site for vitamin A production. Following the incident, BASF declared force majeure on deliveries of selected vitamin A and carotenoid products.

The shutdown of this critical facility sent shockwaves through global supply chains, further straining already tight inventories in Asia, especially in China, which relies partly on European intermediates for blending and export contracts.” 

 

In Q2 2024, The Vitamin A Palmitate (Food Grade) market was similarly impacted, with prices climbing to USD 86,847/MT FOB China, up +53.98%. Palmitate production, which depends on a steady supply of isophytol and alcohol-based esters, was hit hard by both the BASF outage and domestic feedstock delays. Chinese food and beverage manufacturers, already preparing for seasonal Q4 launches of fortified products, front-loaded purchases to avoid potential shortages.

As a result, producers prioritized domestic contracts over exports, further limiting availability and reinforcing upward price momentum. In Q2 2024, the Vitamin A Acetate (Feed Grade) market in China continued its upward momentum, with prices rising to USD 21,000/MT FOB China, a +10.01% increase. Seasonal feed demand increased, especially from swine and poultry integrators in southern and central China.

Additionally, planned maintenance at two key vitamin facilities in Shandong and Jiangsu reduced domestic output, tightening availability and supporting higher prices. On the other hand, Vitamin A Palmitate (Food Grade) prices in China slipped slightly to USD 56,400/MT FOB China, a -2.48% change.

Demand from the processed food and beverage industries remained flat, with several large players holding sufficient inventories. Although supply remained consistent, buyer interest was limited, and new contract volumes were negotiated cautiously amid stable market conditions. 

 

In Q1 2024, the Vitamin A Acetate (Feed Grade) market in China began to rebound. Prices rose to USD 19,090/MT FOB China, a +6.95% increase. The recovery was largely attributed to restocking by feed manufacturers following the Chinese New Year. Improved demand from integrated feed mills and distributors, particularly in provinces like Sichuan and Henan, supported modest gains. Meanwhile, some plants experienced delays restarting post-holiday, limiting short-term supply.

The Vitamin A Palmitate (Food Grade) market also improved slightly, with prices reaching USD 57,833/MT FOB China, reflecting a +4.52% increase. Local food manufacturers resumed formulations for fortified dairy, baby food, and instant nutrition products. Demand was stable, especially in tier-1 cities, and although supply was balanced, slight delays in delivery schedules led to stronger domestic offers during the quarter. 

Technical Specifications of Vitamin A Price Trends

Product Description

Vitamin A (Retinol) is a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for numerous vital processes in the body, including maintaining healthy vision, supporting immune function, and promoting cell growth. It plays a crucial role in the formation of the visual pigment rhodopsin, which is necessary for low-light and colour vision, helping to prevent night blindness. Vitamin A (Retinol) is also important for maintaining the health of the skin, the mucous membranes, and other tissues, as it contributes to proper cell differentiation and growth.

In addition, it boosts the immune system by supporting the function of white blood cells, which help fight off infections. Furthermore, Vitamin A (Retinol) is critical during pregnancy and infancy for proper foetal development and growth. It is found in two primary forms: preformed Vitamin A (retinol) from animal sources and provitamin A (beta-carotene) from plant-based foods. Both forms are essential for overall health and well-being.

Identifiers and Classification:

  • CAS No – 68-26-8
  • HS Code – 29362100
  • Molecular Formula – C₂₀H₃₀O
  • Molecular Weight[g/mol] – 286.46 g/mol


Vitamin A (Retinol) Synonyms:

  • Retinol
  • Retinal
  • Retinoic Acid
  • Retinyl Acetate


Vitamin A (Retinol) Grades Specific Price Assessment:

  • Acetate 1.0 MIU/g (Feed Grade) (Powder) Price Trend
  • Palmitate 1.7 MIU/g (Food Grade) (USP) (Liquid) Price Trend


Vitamin A (Retinol) Global Trade and Shipment Terms

  • Quotation Terms (Product & Country Specific): 8-10 MT, 3-4 MT
  • Packaging Type (Product & Country Specific): Bag, Drum


Incoterms Referenced in Vitamin A (Retinol) Price Reporting

Shipping Term  Location  Definition 
FOB Shanghai  Shanghai, China  Vitamin A (Retinol) Export price from China 
Ex-Zhejiang  Zhejiang, China  Domestically Traded Vitamin A (Retinol) price in China 

*Quotation Terms refers to the quantity range specified for the Vitamin A (Retinol) being quoted or offered in a commercial transaction.

**Packaging Type refers to standard packaging size commonly used for Vitamin A (Retinol) packing, ease of handling, transportation, and storage in industrial and commercial applications.

Key Vitamin A (Retinol) Producing Regions and Countries

Region  Country 
Shanghai  China 
Zhejiang  China 

Vitamin A Industrial Applications

vitamin A market share end use

Historically, several events have caused significant fluctuations in Vitamin A prices

Impact of Recent U.S. Tariffs on Vitamin A Prices and Supply Chains (2024–2025): The recent U.S. tariffs on imports are likely to have a broader impact on the Vitamin A market by raising production costs and disrupting supply chains. Many of the raw materials and chemical precursors used in Vitamin A synthesis are imported from various countries, and the increased tariffs on these goods can lead to higher input costs for U.S.-based manufacturers. As a result, companies in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors may pass these higher costs onto consumers, leading to price increases for Vitamin A supplements and fortified food products. Additionally, the uncertainty surrounding tariff policies can create supply chain disruptions, as manufacturers may struggle with procurement planning and stockpiling. This could cause volatility in Vitamin A prices and affect availability, especially for those depending on timely and cost-effective raw material imports. 

COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021): The pandemic initially caused a decline in Vitamin A demand due to reduced elective healthcare procedures and disruptions in food and nutritional supplement supply chains. However, demand later rebounded sharply as consumers and health systems prioritized immune-supportive nutrients, including Vitamin A, in preventive healthcare and fortified products. 

U.S.-China Trade War (2018–2019): Trade tensions between the U.S. and China disrupted the global supply chains for raw materials and intermediates used in Vitamin A synthesis. This led to supply shortages, increased production costs, and significant price volatility across international markets, especially affecting pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors. 

Hurricane Harvey (2017): The hurricane caused severe flooding along the U.S. Gulf Coast, impacting chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, including those involved in producing precursors for Vitamin A. This led to short-term disruptions in supply and a temporary spike in Vitamin A prices due to constrained availability. 

Why Price Watch™?

Price Watch™ is your trusted resource for tracking global vitamin a price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the vitamin a market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, Price Watch™ keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.

In addition, Price Watch™ provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With Price Watch™, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence vitamin a prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with Price Watch’s™ reliable, accurate, and timely vitamin a market data.

Track Price Watch's™ vitamin a price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.

Vitamin A Market Price Trend published by 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ reflect prevailing spot market conditions, derived from independent research, verified trade inputs, and proprietary market intelligence as of the publication date. Prices are published on the specified Incoterm and represent indicative base market levels, exclusive of applicable taxes, VAT, duties, tariffs, and other statutory charges. Actual transaction values may vary depending on volume, credit terms, contractual structure, and other negotiated conditions. Market prices are inherently subject to volatility, liquidity dynamics, regulatory changes, and evolving trade activity. The information provided is for reference and benchmarking purposes only and does not constitute an offer, recommendation, or guarantee of transactional outcomes. Users should exercise independent commercial judgment and assess their specific contractual, regulatory, tax, and application requirements before making business decisions. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ assumes no liability for decisions taken based on this information.

Vitamin A prices are affected by several key factors, including the cost of feedstocks like propylene, which is derived from crude oil and natural gas. Other significant influences include fluctuations in crude oil prices, refinery production levels, transportation costs, and environmental regulations. Additionally, supply-demand imbalances, particularly in major production regions like Asia and North America, and disruptions due to geopolitical issues or natural disasters, can impact vitamin A pricing trends.

Supply chain disruptions, such as plant shutdowns, port delays, or shortages of raw materials like propylene, can lead to sharp increases in Vitamin A prices. For example, when propylene supplies tighten due to refinery outages or production cuts, vitamin A production costs rise, leading to higher market prices. Conversely, improved supply chain efficiency or reduced transportation costs can help stabilize or lower vitamin A prices. Procurement teams should stay informed on supply chain developments to optimize their purchasing strategies.

Vitamin A prices vary significantly across different regions due to factors like production capacity, local demand, and logistics. For instance, Asia, a leading producer of vitamin A, often has more competitive prices compared to Europe or the US, where higher production costs and stricter environmental regulations may drive up prices. Procurement heads should consider these regional variations by exploring opportunities to source vitamin A from cost-competitive regions or leveraging long-term contracts in regions with favorable pricing to reduce exposure to price volatility.

Vitamin A (Retinol) also known as Retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin widely used in pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, food fortification and animal feed applications. It plays a crucial role in vision, immune function, skin health, and overall growth and development. Vitamin A is commonly available in forms such as Retinol Acetate and Retinol Palmitate, which are used across different industrial applications depending on stability and formulation requirements. Its price is important because it directly influences the cost of vitamin supplements, fortified food products, pharmaceutical formulations, and feed premixes. Fluctuations in Vitamin A pricing can significantly impact production costs for manufacturers and procurement strategies for buyers, making it a key commodity in the global nutrition and healthcare markets. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ tracks these prices to help businesses and consumers understand and stay updated with the market trends.

Vitamin A (Retinol) prices vary by region and grade. Prices are typically quoted per metric ton and change based on raw material costs, production rates, demand from pharmaceutical, food, and feed sectors and regional supply conditions. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ provides real-time price assessments across different global markets to help buyers and sellers make informed decisions.

Vitamin A prices are influenced by fluctuations in raw material costs, plant operating rates, and demand from downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals, nutrition, and animal feed. Additional factors include energy and utility costs, supply disruptions, environmental regulations, and export competition, particularly from major producing countries. Inventory levels and seasonal demand patterns also play a role, with periods of oversupply leading to price pressure and tight supply conditions causing price spikes

The primary consumers of Vitamin A include pharmaceutical manufacturers and nutraceutical companies, followed by food and beverage producers engaged in fortification. A significant share of demand also comes from the animal feed industry, particularly for poultry, swine, and aquaculture nutrition. Cosmetics and personal care manufacturers also use Vitamin A derivatives in skincare products, contributing to overall demand. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ analyses demand patterns across all these industries.

Vitamin A is produced through chemical synthesis using intermediates derived from petrochemical sources. Manufacturing is carried out by specialized chemical and vitamin producers with advanced production facilities and strict quality control systems. Production levels depend on plant operating rates, regulatory compliance and global demand conditions

Global Vitamin A exports are led primarily by China which has extensive production capacity and competitive manufacturing costs. Europe and India also contribute to global supply mainly catering to regulated pharmaceutical and nutrition markets. Export volumes fluctuate based on operating rates, compliance standards, demand cycles and international trade conditions. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ tracks production levels, export flows and trade patterns to help businesses understand global supply chains and identify sourcing opportunities.

Overall supply generally meets global demand but short-term tightness can occur due to plant maintenance shutdowns, environmental inspections or sudden demand increases from pharmaceutical or feed sectors. Regional imbalances may arise from logistics disruptions or regulatory constraints. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ monitors these supply-demand imbalances to alert the market about potential shortages or surpluses.

Vitamin A is available in multiple grades, including pharmaceutical, food, and feed grades, each with varying purity levels, formulation stability, and regulatory requirements. Retinol Palmitate and Retinol Acetate differ in stability and application, influencing their pricing. Pharmaceutical-grade products command higher prices due to stringent quality standards, certifications, and traceability requirements, while feed-grade material is comparatively lower priced. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ provides separate price assessments for each grade to ensure market transparency.

When demand rises sharply often due to increased supplement consumption, higher feed inclusion rates, or stockpiling by pharmaceutical buyers prices tend to increase. Suppliers may prioritize contract customers while spot buyers face limited availability or higher offers. Such demand surges can create short-term price volatility. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ captures these market dynamics in real-time.

Energy costs play a significant role in Vitamin A production as synthesis processes are energy intensive and rely on stable utility supply. Rising electricity, steam or fuel prices increase manufacturing costs which producers may pass on to buyers. Transportation and logistics costs, also linked to energy prices, further influence final pricing. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ analyses in its price assessments & market reports.

Regional price differences arise from variations in production capacity, compliance and regulatory costs, energy prices, labor expenses, logistics, import duties and local demand conditions. Regions dependent on imports typically see higher prices while producing regions with surplus capacity often offer more competitive pricing. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ tracks prices across all major regions to highlight these differences.

The Vitamin A market outlook depends on production operating rates, raw material and energy cost trends, pharmaceutical and feed demand growth, regulatory developments and export competition. Inventory levels and macroeconomic conditions also influence price direction. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ regularly publishes detailed forecasts that project price movements for the next 12 months based on comprehensive analysis of supply additions, demand growth in key industries, seasonal patterns, and macroeconomic indicators. Our forecasts help businesses anticipate market conditions and plan accordingly.

Absolutely. Accurate price forecasts enable buyers to plan procurement, manage inventories, negotiate long-term contracts, and control costs more effectively. If 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ forecasts predict a price increase in three months, you might choose to stock up now or lock in long-term contracts at current rates, potentially saving thousands of dollars.

Global events such as pandemics, environmental inspections, plant shutdowns, energy shortages, trade restrictions, geopolitical tensions or logistics disruptions can significantly impact Vitamin A supply and pricing. Sudden changes in healthcare demand and nutrition demand can also create volatility. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ provides timely alerts when such events affect the market.

𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡™ collects data from manufacturers, distributors, and buyers worldwide to publish regular price assessments, market reports, and forecasts. Our transparent methodology and comprehensive coverage make us a trusted source for understanding fair pricing and market trends in the Vitamin A (Retinol) industry.

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