Weekly Trade Information-172

Gellan gum

Gellan gum is produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa fermentation in a liquid medium containing glucose, corn syrup, phosphates, proteins, nitrates, and trace elements. The initial product is high-acyl gellan gum. Low-acyl gellan gum is obtained by removing acyl and glycerol groups with potassium hydroxide, followed by purification through filtration and alcohol precipitation to produce commercial gellan gum.

Due to its superior gelling properties, gellan gum has been widely used in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, chemical industry, agriculture, and other fields. (Source: Chemical Book)

This Week's Core Domestic Industry Dynamics Focus on Industrial Upgrading Driven by "New Quality Productive Forces"

According to recent announcements from the China Chamber of Commerce for Import and Export of Medicines and Health Products (CCCMHPIE) and comprehensive reports from the industry media "Plant Extract Bridge", leading domestic enterprises are increasing investment in synthetic biology, using green biological manufacturing technology to produce naturally equivalent popular raw materials such as vanillin and NMN, aiming to improve export added value and meet the "clean label" demand of the international market. At the same time, regulatory authorities are promoting the coordination of regulations between raw materials and terminals for products such as probiotics to enhance international market competitiveness.

(Source: CCCMHPIE)

The Next Ten-Billion-Dollar Product: The Global Creatine Market Enters a Period of High-Speed Growth

Data released by Global Market Insights shows that the global creatine supplement market size was 500 million US dollars in 2024 and is expected to reach 1.6 billion US dollars by 2034, with a compound annual growth rate of over 12.6% during the period. Powder currently still accounts for the main market share, but its growth rate is more stable. The real market growth driver lies in "non-powder" formulations, including gummies, liquids, nutrition bars, etc. The market trend is changing in 2025. From SupplySide Global 2025 to the terminal new products launched in overseas markets, we have seen that creatine is undergoing a new "formulation innovation", from gummies to liquids to nutrition bars. These innovations are not only to cater to consumers' preference for convenience but also a reflection of the progress of technology and processes and breakthroughs in formula innovation of the entire industry.

 (Source: Plant Extract Bridge)

EU New Regulations Drive Demand for Natural Pigments, US Market Focuses on NDI Compliance

According to this week's news from Nutritional Outlook and the Official Journal of the European Union, the EU plans to further restrict the use of some synthetic pigments in children's food, which is expected to significantly drive the import demand for natural pigments (such as curcumin, beetroot red). Meanwhile, the US FDA has strengthened the review of New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) notifications, leading to delays in some plant extract export orders to the US. Purchasers are more inclined to choose raw material suppliers with successful NDI notification records to ensure customs clearance efficiency.

 (Source: Nutritional Outlook)

Ports Suspended, Customs Shutdown, Borders Closed

A sudden political upheaval occurred in Guinea-Bissau. Some military officers issued a statement saying that they have established a "High Military Command for Restoring Order" and "have taken control of the country". Just one day before the results of the fiercely contested presidential election were to be announced, the military announced the suspension of the election process, closed all borders of the country, and imposed a night curfew.

The sudden interruption of trade and transportation is expected to disrupt regional supply chains, especially West African transportation routes that rely on Guinea-Bissau's port facilities. Until transportation stabilizes, shippers need to prepare for delays, diversions, and other issues.

 (Source: Waitsi Talks Shipping)