The global methionine market size was valued at USD 4.3 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach a value of USD 7.5 billion by 2032, registering a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period (2024-2032).
Customers' health concerns, increased consumption of animal-based products, and the application of animal husbandry methods are all vital market drivers boosting Methionine market growth. It is an essential amino acid for various biological functions in humans, animals, and plants. It is an organic molecule classed as a sulfur-containing amino acid because of the sulfur atom in its side chain. Methionine is vital to protein synthesis, metabolism, and cellular function.
The market share is rapidly increasing, owing to its critical significance in animal feed compositions. As the global demand for meat, poultry, and aquaculture products grows, methionine is vital for maximizing animal development, health, and productivity. With a growing population and altering dietary preferences toward protein-rich diets, there is a greater need to improve animal feed efficiency and nutritional content.
Furthermore, as an essential amino acid, It plays a vital role in protein synthesis, immunological function, and food metabolism in cattle and aquaculture. The expansion of the livestock industry, particularly in emerging economies, drives up the demand for methionine supplementation in feed formulations. Rapid urbanization increased disposable incomes, and shifting consumer preferences promoted demand for meat and dairy products, demanding higher amounts of Methionine to feed the growing animal population. Regulatory actions encouraging using amino acids such as methionine in animal feed formulations fuel market expansion.
As the world population grows, particularly in emerging nations, there is a greater demand for protein-rich foods such as meat, eggs, and dairy products. Rising incomes and urbanization contribute to increased consumption of animal protein. This is an essential amino acid in animal feed formulations that promotes growth, muscular development, and overall health in livestock, poultry, and aquaculture. As the need for animal protein rises, so does the demand for it, a critical element in animal feed that helps meet the nutritional needs of increasing animal populations.
Additionally, many people around the world rely heavily on meat for nutrition. Meat output has more than tripled in the last 50 years, reflecting rising global demand. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), worldwide meat output in 2023 is predicted to rise by 0.8% from 2022 to 365 million tonnes, representing a slight increase. This growth is primarily due to increased poultry meat output, which is expected to grow the greatest in volume. The FAO predicts that worldwide meat output will rise further, driven by population growth, increased incomes, and urbanization, particularly in developing nations. The poultry industry consumes a substantial amount of Methionine, with broiler chickens, layers, and turkeys being the most frequent consumers of methionine-rich feed formulations.
Thus, the rising global demand for animal protein is a crucial driver of the global market, as it directly affects the need for high-quality feed additives to meet the nutritional needs of livestock and poultry. As meat consumption rises, particularly in emerging economies, so will demand for this, resulting in growth and expansion in the worldwide market.
Demand, supply, and global economic conditions have all contributed to the volatility of methanol prices in recent years. For example, in 2022, methanol prices changed due to increased acetic acid demand and production rates. Methanol prices in the MEA region fell in the fourth quarter of 2023 due to low consumption and decreased demand. Methanol is a vital input ingredient for chemical synthesis procedures that produce Methionine. Fluctuations in methanol pricing, impacted by supply-demand dynamics, energy prices, and geopolitical events, directly impact methionine production costs.
In addition, methyl mercaptan, another important feedstock in methionine production, experiences price fluctuation due to feedstock supply, manufacturing capacity, and regulatory restraints. Price changes in methyl mercaptan can intensify the cost pressures on methionine manufacturers. For example, statistics reveal that methanol prices in essential regions such as Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America fluctuated sharply during market turmoil, such as the global economic slowdown in 2008-2009 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
Similarly, pricing trends for methyl mercaptan, predominantly derived from the petrochemical industry, have fluctuated due to feedstock supply, production capacity utilization, and regulatory changes affecting sulfur-based chemical manufacturing. As a result, uncertainty in raw material costs can disrupt supply chains, cause inventory management concerns, and pose forecasting and planning challenges for this producers and their customers. Raw material price changes may also impact pricing dynamics in the global market, influencing the competitiveness and market share of firms operating in price-sensitive categories.
The aquaculture sector has grown significantly in recent years, owing to rising seafood demand, restricted wild fish sources, and technological advances in aquaculture. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that global aquaculture production will be 0.6% higher in 2023 than in 2022, at 185 million tonnes. This increase is primarily attributable to the growth and intensity of aquaculture in the North Atlantic and tiny pelagics in the Eastern Pacific. Aquaculture includes various aquatic species such as salmon, tilapia, trout, shrimp, shellfish (e.g., mussels, oysters), and other aquatic organisms. Aquafeed is an integral part of aquaculture operations. It provides vital nutrients such as proteins, lipids, vitamins, and minerals that help farmed aquatic animals grow, stay healthy, and produce more.
According to Aqua Culture Asia Pacific, Asia's shrimp supply is predicted to reach 6.25 million tonnes in 2023, up 6% from the second half of 2022. However, monthly volumes are expected to fall by 13% between July and December due to harvest and stocking trends. Thailand's Department of Fisheries predicts shrimp production of 294,000 tons in 2023, up 14% from 2022. Thailand is one of the world's largest shrimp producers, exporting 80% of its output.
Thus, methionine supplementation is required in aquafeed formulations to promote protein synthesis, growth, and feed conversion efficiency in farmed fish and shrimp. Aquaculture species have unique nutritional requirements for critical amino acids, like Methionine, which prepared diets must provide to promote optimal growth and health. These manufacturers can benefit from the increased demand for aquafeed additives by creating specific methionine solutions tailored to the nutritional requirements of farmed aquatic species.
| Study Period | 2020-2032 | CAGR | 6.3% |
| Historical Period | 2020-2022 | Forecast Period | 2024-2032 |
| Base Year | 2023 | Base Year Market Size | USD 4.3 billion |
| Forecast Year | 2032 | Forecast Year Market Size | USD 7.5 billion |
| Largest Market | Asia Pacific | Fastest Growing Market | North America |
Asia-Pacific is the most significant global market shareholder and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.1% over the forecast period. Due to the expanding need for animal feed in the Asia-Pacific area, it is one of the largest consumers of Methionine. The region is also a significant producer of Methionine, with China being the top producer worldwide. The region's increasing demand for this will likely drive market expansion over the forecast period. China's aquaculture business has recently experienced significant growth. The capacity for pork eggs and animals was also the highest globally. China's total production of farmed fish and other aquatic animals in 2023 was estimated to be 71 million metric tons (MMT), a 3.5% increase over 2022. The majority of these products come from cultured or farmed sources. Aquaculture is driving this expansion, with production expected to rise 4.4% yearly to 58.1 MMT by 2023. China is the world's largest producer of aquacultured mollusks.
Furthermore, China is the second-largest pharmaceutical market in the world. According to the China Pharmaceutical Enterprises Association, China's pharmaceutical income in 2023 was USD 110.75 billion, making it the region's most significant revenue source. Since 2021, China's pharmaceutical business has witnessed an average annual revenue increase of 9.3%, with profits growing at an average yearly rate of 11.3%. The country has a vast and diverse domestic drug sector, with over 5,000 manufacturers and many minor or medium-sized businesses.
Another end-user of the Chinese food and beverage industry is rapidly expanding. China has over one-fourth of the world's population and is one of the fastest-growing consumer marketplaces. The National Bureau of Statistics of China estimates the country's food business earnings would be around CNY 618.71 billion (USD 88.64 billion) in 2021.
North America is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 6.0% over the forecast period. North America has been the leading force in the methionine industry, and this market trend is expected to continue in the coming years. The region's producers have profited from sustained demand in key countries such as the United States and Canada, allowing them to maintain a solid margin. This has enabled them to reinvest in their business and increase manufacturing capacity.
As a result, North American producers are well-positioned to maintain their dominance of the methionine market in the following years. Furthermore, the US market had the most significant market share, while Canada's market was the fastest-growing in the North American region.
Europe's market is the world's third-largest. This is because Europe has some of the major manufacturers and users of amino acids. The increased usage of amino acids in human dietary supplements drives the European industry. Methionine provides various health benefits, including reduced inflammation and improved liver health. As more people want to improve their health and well-being, the market for methionine-based supplements is expected to increase.
Moreover, the European market is expected to be a prominent player with excellent development possibilities. Furthermore, the German market had the most significant market share, while the UK market was the fastest-growing market in Europe.
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The plant-based methionine market was dominating and predicted to grow during the forecast period due to government rules prohibiting bone meal and fish silage. Plant-based Methionine is obtained from plants and may contain a variety of plant proteins such as soybean meal, maize gluten meal, or wheat gluten. Plant-based methionine products provide an alternative to animal-based sources and are frequently selected by manufacturers looking for sustainable and vegetarian-friendly choices. While plant-based Methionine may have slightly lower methionine concentration than animal-based sources, advances in processing have resulted in plant-based methionine products with enhanced nutritional profiles and digestibility. Plant-based is frequently utilized in vegetarian or vegan animal feed formulations, which may appeal to consumers looking for plant-based alternatives in animal nutrition.
Animal-based Methionine is obtained from animal sources and is commonly found in meat or poultry processing byproducts. This form of Methionine often has a higher concentration than plant-based sources. Animal-based methionine products are valued for their excellent biological availability and digestibility, making them an appealing choice for inclusion in animal feed formulations. However, because animal-based Methionine is made from animal-derived raw materials, its manufacturing may pose ethical and environmental concerns. Despite these limitations, animal-based Methionine remains a popular option in the global market, notably in formulations aimed at cattle and poultry feeding.
The Food and Beverage category dominated the market in 2023 and is expected to be the fastest-growing segment over the forecast period. This is an important amino acid in human nutrition used in the food and dietary supplement industry. It is frequently used in dietary supplements, protein powders, and sports nutrition products because of its involvement in protein synthesis and muscle maintenance. Methionine supplements are often used to treat nutritional deficiencies or promote overall health and wellness. Furthermore, Methionine can be added to food products as a functional component to boost protein content or nutritional value, especially in fortified foods and beverages.
This is due to the increased demand for methionine-enriched foods, which have several health benefits. It is an essential ingredient that promotes human health by increasing immunity, improving digestion, and preventing weariness. Furthermore, it is used as a dietary supplement to treat a range of ailments, including liver illness, anaemia, and depression. All of these variables have a beneficial impact on the market growth.
This is an essential ingredient in animal feed formulas used in the livestock, poultry, and aquaculture sectors. Methionine, an essential amino acid, is important in animal nutrition because it promotes growth, muscular development, and overall health. Methionine supplements are frequently added to animal feed to suit various species' unique amino acid requirements and life stages. Animal feed makers use methionine to improve feed efficiency, feed conversion ratios, and nutritional quality of feed formulations, all of which contribute to the productivity and profitability of animal production systems.
