Weekly Trade Information-183

Inositol: Major Suppliers Raise Quotes by 30%, Active Market Inquiries and Purchases

After the Spring Festival, major inositol manufacturers have collectively raised their quotations to 40 RMB/kg, triggering a strong market response with increasing inquiries from both domestic and overseas buyers and active channel sourcing. Previously, the inositol market price was around 30 RMB, representing a price increase of 30%. Prices are expected to remain strong in the short term. Market inquiries are active, and the supply-demand relationship is steadily improving.

(Source: Weigao Daily)

Ingredients for Infant Formula & Functional Foods Upgrade toward Biomimetic Nutrition and Scientifically Validated Solutions

On February 26, 2026, Herbridge Bridge released an industry trend report stating that human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), clean-label natural ingredients, and evidence-based functional ingredients became the core trends in the fourth week of February.

During the same period, the National Health Commission launched a public consultation on two HMOs: 3-Fucosyllactose and Lacto-N-tetraose.
Ingredients for infant formula and functional foods are upgrading toward biomimetic nutrition and scientific validation.

(Source: Public Consultation on 4 New Food Additives, with Two HMOs Entering the Market!)
 

U.S. Tariff Policy Update: Details of Additional Levies

As of February 24, President Trump’s 10% global tariff has come into effect. U.S. officials stated that the White House is working to raise the tariff rate to 15%, with no timeline yet determined.

Previously, on February 22 (local time), Trump signed a proclamation imposing a 10% import duty on all goods entering the United States for a period of 150 days.

According to foreign media reports, the European Union is preparing to suspend the ratification process of its trade agreement with the United States and is demanding further details on the Trump administration’s new tariff plans.

(Source: Weigao Daily)
 

Cold-Chain Sea-Rail Intermodal Train

On February 26, 2026, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area launched the first cold-chain sea-rail intermodal freight train of the new year.It mainly carries imported healthy food raw materials including probiotic powder, natural pigments, and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), with full-process temperature control at 0–5°C.

Operating on a “sea-rail-inland port” through-service model using the same container, the service has cut transit time by 80% and reduced overall logistics costs by approximately 15%, opening up a raw material supply chain from South China to the inland regions.

(Source: CCTV News, February 26, 2026)
 

Maersk, CMA CGM and MSC Are All Betting on West Africa Routes

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is increasingly becoming a focal point of the global shipping industry.Export volumes in the region continue to rise, supported by strong cargo flows on Far East routes, prompting container lines to add capacity and launch new services. In contrast, growth in some traditional markets has been relatively modest.

Carriers’ strategy toward West Africa has shifted from “wait-and-see” to “dual routes + larger vessel space sharing.”

Feedback from freight forwarders aligns closely with the data.Several forwarders confirmed that demand for goods bound for Sub-Saharan Africa is rising among Indian and Middle Eastern customers, with one noting a “significant” number of related inquiries.

In terms of cargo mix, agricultural products, minerals and manufacturing raw materials remain dominant.Ramadan stocking and infrastructure projects are providing additional growth momentum for these routes.

(Source: COSCO SHIPPING e-Journal)