ChinaAccording to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2025, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade market in China faced a severe downturn, with prices crashing by -32.97% to USD 2,860/MT. The decline was largely due to oversupply in the domestic market, following aggressive restocking in Q4. Many downstream players, particularly in the food and beverage segment, operated with sufficient inventories and delayed fresh procurement. Furthermore, factory output remained steady post-holidays, exacerbating the supply glut. The slow recovery in domestic demand after the Spring Festival and limited export traction weighed heavily on the Chinese market, keeping sentiment bearish throughout the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2025, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade prices continued to decline, falling by -11.07% to USD 2,543/MT FOB Shanghai. This drop reflected persistently weak domestic demand, particularly from the processed food and health supplement sectors, which were still working through high inventory levels.
Despite stable production rates across key provinces like Zhejiang and Hebei, there was little upward support as both domestic and international inquiries remained sluggish. Buyers largely maintained a wait-and-watch approach, anticipating further corrections. Overall, oversupply and lackluster consumption kept the Chinese Vitamin C market under pronounced pressure through the quarter.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q1 2024, the Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade market in China witnessed a substantial price surge, reaching around USD 3,733/MT FOB Shanghai, reflecting a strong +41.95% quarter-on-quarter increase. The rise was primarily attributed to temporary supply disruptions as several domestic manufacturers operated at reduced capacities due to maintenance turnarounds and upstream raw material constraints. This reduction in output coincided with a spike in short-term demand from downstream food and beverage processors, particularly those replenishing stocks after the previous year-end lull. Market sentiment was further buoyed by speculative buying as traders anticipated extended supply tightening in the months ahead.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q2 2024, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade prices in the Chinese market corrected notably, falling by -9.73% to USD 3,370/MT. The decline stemmed from normalization of plant operations, leading to improved product availability across domestic warehouses. As inventories swelled, procurement activity slowed, especially among local food additive producers who had secured ample stock earlier in the year. Moreover, domestic consumption was somewhat restrained due to weaker demand from mid-tier beverage and supplement manufacturers, and the absence of any major export momentum during the quarter further suppressed price growth.Â
According to the PriceWatch, In Q3 2024, the Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade market exhibited a modest rebound, with prices edging up by +0.99% to USD 3,403/MT FOB Shanghai. The uptick was supported by a gradual revival in domestic demand as food and nutraceutical sectors began preparing for Q4 seasonal consumption. Chinese buyers cautiously resumed restocking in view of potential export orders from key trading partners ahead of winter. Still, the presence of ample inventories and stable production output at major facilities in Zhejiang and Shandong provinces kept price growth in check. Overall, the market remained largely balanced during this quarter.Â
According to PriceWatch, In Q4 2024, Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Food Grade saw a sharp upswing in prices, climbing to USD 4,266/MT, a quarterly gain of +25.37%. This surge was driven by year-end stockpiling by domestic food and health product manufacturers looking to secure supply before the Lunar New Year holiday disruptions. Additionally, increased inquiries from foreign buyers boosted exporter confidence. Delays in inland logistics, caused by regional trucking constraints and tightened inspection protocols, contributed to temporary supply chain bottlenecks, pushing prices higher. Meanwhile, upstream support from rising fermentation feedstock costs also played a role in sustaining bullish pricing during the quarter.Â
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic Acid is a high-purity, water-soluble vitamin widely used as a nutritional additive and antioxidant in the food and beverage industry. Known for its role in supporting immune health and cellular function, it is commonly added to fruit juices, dairy products, canned foods, and functional beverages to enhance nutritional value, prevent oxidation, and extend shelf life. Ascorbic Acid also aids in color retention and flavor stability in processed foods. Its stability, solubility, and compatibility with a wide range of formulations make it an essential ingredient in fortified and health-oriented food products.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)Â Â
| SL. NO. | ITEMS | STANDARD | RESULT |
| 1. | Mesh Size | 100% pass 80 Mesh | Complies |
| 2. | Loss on Drying | ≤5% | 3.43% |
| 3. | Pb | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 4. | As | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 5. | Hg | ≤0.1ppm | Complies |
| 6. | Cd | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 7. | Solvents Residue | ≤1000ppm | Complies |
Applications
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is widely utilized across the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and animal nutrition industries due to its critical role in energy metabolism, tissue repair, and antioxidant protection. In the nutraceutical sector, it serves as a key component in dietary supplements aimed at supporting skin, hair, and nail health, often featured in wellness and beauty formulations. In pharmaceuticals, it is used to treat Vitamin C deficiency and to support neurological and metabolic function. The food industry incorporates Ascorbic Acid in a variety of products such as juices, dairy, canned goods, and functional beverages to boost nutritional content and act as a preservative and antioxidant. In cosmetic and personal care applications, it is valued for its ability to enhance skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail growth. Additionally, in animal nutrition, it is included in feed formulations for poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and companion animals, where it supports growth, fertility, hoof health, and overall metabolic efficiency.Â
Impact of Recent U.S. Tariffs on Vitamin C Prices and Supply Chains (2024–2025):Â
The U.S. tariffs enacted in early 2025 have significantly affected the Vitamin C market, primarily due to increased costs of raw materials and manufacturing inputs. China, a major supplier of Vitamin C and its precursors, has been directly impacted by these tariffs, leading to higher production costs. Consequently, U.S. manufacturers face increased expenses, which may result in higher prices for Vitamin C supplements and fortified products. Additionally, the tariffs have disrupted supply chains, causing delays and potential shortages in key ingredients. In response, some manufacturers are seeking alternative sourcing options and production strategies to mitigate these challenges, which could further influence the global pricing and availability of Vitamin C.Â
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–2021): During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for Vitamin C experienced significant fluctuations due to disruptions in production, logistics, and the reduced availability of dietary supplements and fortified foods. In the early stages of the pandemic, demand initially declined as supply chains were interrupted, and healthcare activities were reduced. However, as health systems and consumers increasingly prioritized immune support, Vitamin C surged in demand. Vitamin C became a critical nutrient for boosting immune function, improving skin health, and supporting overall well-being. As the pandemic recovery phase progressed, manufacturing and logistics resumed gradually, but intermittent disruptions continued to cause price volatility and supply shortages.Â
U.S.-China Trade War (2018–2019): The U.S.-China Trade War disrupted the global supply chain for raw materials and intermediates necessary for the production of Vitamin C. Since China is a major producer and supplier of Vitamin C, trade tensions led to supply shortages, production delays, and significant fluctuations in prices. This caused instability in the markets, particularly in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries, where Vitamin C is widely used in energy-boosting, immune-supporting, and skin-care formulations. The trade conflict led to increased production costs and a rise in price volatility in the global markets.Â
Hurricane Harvey (2017): Although Vitamin C production is primarily based outside the U.S., Hurricane Harvey caused severe flooding and operational shutdowns along the U.S. Gulf Coast, affecting chemical manufacturing and logistics hubs. The disruptions to the U.S. infrastructure indirectly impacted the global supply of Vitamin C, leading to temporary delays in the shipment of essential raw materials. This caused a brief spike in Vitamin C prices and occasional supply shortages in North America, particularly where demand for the vitamin in supplements and fortified foods remained high.Â
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Vitamin C also known as Ascorbic Acid is a high-purity, water-soluble vitamin widely used as a nutritional additive and antioxidant in the food and beverage industry. Known for its role in supporting immune health and cellular function, it is commonly added to fruit juices, dairy products, canned foods, and functional beverages to enhance nutritional value, prevent oxidation, and extend shelf life. Ascorbic Acid also aids in color retention and flavor stability in processed foods. Its stability, solubility, and compatibility with a wide range of formulations make it an essential ingredient in fortified and health-oriented food products.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)Â Â
| SL. NO. | ITEMS | STANDARD | RESULT |
| 1. | Mesh Size | 100% pass 80 Mesh | Complies |
| 2. | Loss on Drying | ≤5% | 3.43% |
| 3. | Pb | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 4. | As | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 5. | Hg | ≤0.1ppm | Complies |
| 6. | Cd | ≤1.0ppm | Complies |
| 7. | Solvents Residue | ≤1000ppm | Complies |
Applications
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) is widely utilized across the nutraceutical, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetic, and animal nutrition industries due to its critical role in energy metabolism, tissue repair, and antioxidant protection. In the nutraceutical sector, it serves as a key component in dietary supplements aimed at supporting skin, hair, and nail health, often featured in wellness and beauty formulations. In pharmaceuticals, it is used to treat Vitamin C deficiency and to support neurological and metabolic function. The food industry incorporates Ascorbic Acid in a variety of products such as juices, dairy, canned goods, and functional beverages to boost nutritional content and act as a preservative and antioxidant. In cosmetic and personal care applications, it is valued for its ability to enhance skin elasticity, hair strength, and nail growth. Additionally, in animal nutrition, it is included in feed formulations for poultry, swine, ruminants, aquaculture, and companion animals, where it supports growth, fertility, hoof health, and overall metabolic efficiency.Â
Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) prices in the global market are influenced by several key factors, including raw material availability (particularly sorbitol), production costs, and operating rates of major Chinese manufacturers, who dominate global supply. Fluctuations in demand from end-use sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and animal nutrition also play a significant role, alongside seasonal consumption patterns. Additionally, environmental regulations in China, trade policies, anti-dumping duties, and export restrictions can impact global supply dynamics. Logistics disruptions, currency fluctuations, and shifts in inventory levels further contribute to short-term price volatility.
Supply chain disruptions affect Vitamin C pricing by constraining supply and increasing logistical challenges. Interruptions in the availability of key raw materials such as sorbitol, along with delays in transportation, port congestion, and container shortages particularly in China can hinder production and delay exports. This often results in reduced global supply and upward pressure on prices. Additionally, unexpected plant shutdowns due to energy restrictions or environmental inspections can further strain availability. These uncertainties lead to fluctuating buying behavior, with some buyers rushing to secure stock while others delay purchases, ultimately contributing to increased price volatility in the market.
Regional price differences for Vitamin C are closely tied to China, which is the dominant global producer and exporter. Prices within China are generally lower due to concentrated manufacturing hubs, competitive production costs, and established supply chains. However, domestic prices can fluctuate sharply based on factors such as environmental regulations, energy restrictions, plant shutdowns, and feedstock availability (e.g., sorbitol). These internal dynamics can create sudden supply tightness or oversupply, directly impacting both domestic and export prices. Procurement heads should adopt a proactive approach by closely tracking Chinese market conditions, adjusting purchase timing accordingly, and leveraging local market intelligence to optimize cost and supply stability.
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