China Feed Amino Acids Market SIZE & SHARE ANALYSIS - GROWTH TRENDS & FORECASTS UP TO 2030

China Feed Amino Acids Market Analysis

The China Feed Amino Acids Market size is estimated at 0.84 billion USD in 2025, and is expected to reach 1.09 billion USD by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.32% during the forecast period (2025-2030).

The Chinese feed amino acids industry has undergone significant transformation driven by increasing industrialization of animal farming and a growing emphasis on scientific animal nutrition practices. A notable development in this direction was the establishment of the world's largest single-building pig farm in 2022, demonstrating China's commitment to modernizing its livestock sector. This shift towards large-scale commercial farming operations has created a sophisticated market for specialized feed additives, with lysine and methionine emerging as the dominant amino acids, collectively accounting for 72.4% of the total market value in 2022.

The industry has witnessed substantial investments in manufacturing capacity and technological advancement to meet growing demand. A prime example is Adisseo's new 180,000-ton liquid methionine plant in Nanjing, which commenced production in September 2022, establishing itself as one of the largest global liquid methionine producers. This expansion in domestic production capability has been accompanied by improvements in distribution networks and supply chain efficiency, enabling better service to the country's vast agricultural sector, which includes facilities producing 22.7 million metric tons of compound feed for aqua species alone.

The market is characterized by increasing sophistication in feed formulation and growing awareness of the role of essential amino acids in animal nutrition. Feed manufacturers are shifting from regular feed to functional and nutritionally balanced products, incorporating advanced amino acid combinations to improve animal immunity and performance. This trend is particularly evident in the poultry sector, where producers managing the country's substantial flock of 5.22 billion chickens are increasingly adopting scientifically formulated feed solutions to optimize production efficiency and meat quality.

The industry landscape is evolving with significant emphasis on research and development, leading to more efficient and sustainable production methods. Major industry players are investing in laboratories and manufacturing facilities to ensure continuous product innovation and maintain high-quality standards. This focus on innovation is complemented by strategic partnerships and collaborations between domestic and international companies, fostering knowledge exchange and technological advancement in the sector. For instance, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has implemented initiatives to promote the development of meat production, which has indirectly boosted the demand for advanced nutritional feed additives incorporating essential amino acids.

China Feed Amino Acids Market Trends

Increasing per capita consumption of poultry products and African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting swine helped in increasing the poultry demand and poultry production

• China's poultry industry holds a dominant position in the global market, with the major producers located in Beijing, Tianjin, Shanghai, Shandong, and Guangdong. The industry growth is primarily attributed to the rising population and urbanization, increased income levels, and shifting consumer preferences toward poultry meat due to the African Swine Fever outbreak that reduced the pork meat supply. From 2017 to 2022, China's per capita consumption of poultry increased by 2.06 kg, further driving the demand for poultry products.
• The country's poultry industry produces chicken, duck, and quail, with chicken being the major poultry bird. It accounted for 495.9 million heads and 40% of the global egg production in 2022. There has been an increasing adoption of layer farming, with over 900 million stock-laying hens and 60 million chicks hatching annually at the country's most extensive layer farming center. Poultry meat consumption in China increased due to favorable prices, increasing awareness of high-protein diets, and a shift in consumer preferences. As a result, broilers are raised at a higher rate to meet the demand for poultry meat. To improve productivity and meet the growing demand for poultry products, three domestic varieties of broiler genetics were released in 2021, including Shengze 901, Guangming No. 2, and Wode 188.
• The continued investment, commercialization, and release of new and improved breeds in the market, coupled with rising poultry production and increasing per capita consumption, are expected to drive the growth of the poultry industry in China during the forecast period. Additionally, the increasing awareness of health benefits and the nutritional value of poultry meat is anticipated to fuel the growth of the poultry industry in the country.

Rising demand for seafood and shifting of producers from conventional feed to compound feed is increasing the feed production for aquaculture species

• The aquaculture feed production in China witnessed a significant increase of 54.1% in 2022, reaching 22.8 million metric ton compared to 2017. However, there was a 21.3% drop in 2020 from the previous year due to the COVID-19 outbreak and the resulting closure of feed industries. The rapid expansion of aquaculture production in China is driven by the increasing seafood demand in the country and the expansion of feed production units. For instance, Grobest China established a new aquaculture feed factory in Guangdong Leizhou with an investment of USD 37.7 million and an annual production capacity of 250,000 ton.
• Fish is the primary aquaculture species in China. Fish feed production increased by 3.2% in 2022 from the previous year as the demand for fish cultivation increased to 37.5 million metric ton in 2022 from 37.4 million metric ton in 2018. Producers are shifting from conventional to compound feed due to the increasing awareness about nutrient management and good farming practices.
• In 2022, shrimp accounted for 2.9% of the aquafeed market share in the country, with a production of 0.6 million metric ton of shrimp. The increasing demand for shrimp is strongly driving the demand for shrimp feed in China as Chinese consumers are undergoing a nutrition transition. Shrimps are a good source of antioxidants and astaxanthin, which bolsters the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The rapid expansion of the aquaculture sector and increasing awareness about nutrient management in aquaculture production are expected to boost market growth during the forecast period.

OTHER KEY INDUSTRY TRENDS COVERED IN THE REPORT

Segment Analysis: Sub Additive

Lysine Segment in China Feed Amino Acids Market

Lysine dominates the China feed amino acids market, holding approximately 42% market share in 2024, primarily due to its crucial role in improving feed efficiency and meat quality across various animal segments. The segment's strong position is supported by its widespread use in poultry birds, which account for over 51% of lysine consumption, followed by swine and aquaculture species at 34.5% and 10.2%, respectively. The high market share of lysine can be attributed to its essential role in protein synthesis and its status as the first limiting amino acid in many meals. The segment's growth is further driven by increasing awareness among farmers about the benefits of essential amino acids supplementation in animal diets, particularly in commercial farming operations where lysine is crucial for optimal growth and performance.

Methionine Segment in China Feed Amino Acids Market

The methionine segment is experiencing the fastest growth in the China feed amino acids market, with an expected growth rate of approximately 5% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily driven by methionine's efficient characteristics in promoting better gut health and simple digestion in animals. The segment's expansion is particularly notable in the poultry sector, where it supports healthy body weight gain and egg production. The growth is further supported by methionine's role as a precursor for synthesizing glutathione and taurine, which are vital for antioxidant and immune functions in swine. The increasing adoption of methionine in dairy cattle feed, where it helps regulate metabolic processes and digestive functioning, is also contributing to its rapid market growth. The use of synthetic amino acids like methionine is becoming more prevalent due to their efficiency in animal nutrition.

Remaining Segments in Sub Additive Market

The remaining segments in the China feed amino acids market include threonine, tryptophan, and other amino acids, each playing distinct roles in animal nutrition and health. Threonine, as the third limiting amino acid in corn-soybean meal poultry feeds, is essential for protein synthesis and intestinal function. Tryptophan, while having a smaller market share, is crucial during the pre-weaning stage of animals and cannot be synthesized in the animal body. Other amino acids, including leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, and phenylalanine, contribute to various functions such as nutrient metabolism, immunity, oxidative defense, and gene regulation, making them integral components of the overall feed additives market. The role of fermented amino acids is also gaining attention for their natural production process and benefits in animal health.

Segment Analysis: Animal

Poultry Segment in China Feed Amino Acids Market

The poultry segment dominates the China feed amino acids market, commanding approximately 51% market share in 2024. This significant market position is primarily driven by the extensive poultry population in China, with chickens accounting for around 84% of the total poultry population. The segment's dominance is further strengthened by the increasing demand for poultry meat and eggs, coupled with the rising awareness about the importance of essential amino acids in improving protein quality in poultry products. Broilers represent the largest sub-segment within poultry, accounting for about 71% of the poultry feed amino acids market, as these essential amino acids promote body weight gain and support healthy skeletal system development. The segment's growth is also supported by the increasing focus on nutritional additives to improve animal health, productivity, and feed efficiency.

Ruminants Segment in China Feed Amino Acids Market

The ruminants segment is emerging as the fastest-growing segment in the China feed amino acids market, projected to grow at approximately 6% during 2024-2029. This growth is primarily attributed to China's position as a major producer of feed for beef cattle and the increasing awareness about the health benefits of amino acids in ruminant nutrition. The segment's growth is further supported by government initiatives like the "Five-Year Action Plan" to promote meat, beef, and sheep production. The rising demand for premium quality products due to increasing income levels has led beef cattle producers to shift towards high-quality cattle feed supplemented with synthetic amino acids to improve yield and maintain animal health. Additionally, the expansion of commercial farming operations and the growing emphasis on protein-rich diets are driving the increased adoption of amino acid supplements in ruminant feed.

Remaining Segments in Animal Segmentation

The swine and aquaculture segments also play crucial roles in the China feed amino acids market. The swine segment maintains a strong position due to China's significant pig population and the increasing adoption of amino acids to improve gut health and immunity in swine. The aquaculture segment, while smaller, is gaining importance due to China's position as a leading aquaculture producer globally. Both segments are experiencing growth driven by increasing commercialization of farming operations, rising awareness about feed quality, and the growing demand for protein-rich animal products. The segments are also benefiting from technological advancements in feed production and the increasing focus on sustainable farming practices.

Free With This Report

We provide a complimentary and exhaustive set of data points on regional and country-level metrics that present the fundamental structure of the industry. Presented in the form of 35+ free charts, the section covers difficult-to-find data of various regions on feed production through various animal categories such as Ruminants, Poultry, Swine, and Aquaculture.