Weekly Trade Information-188

Mood Support Supplements Emerge as New Growth Driver in Functional Foods 

According to industry media Food Navigator-USA, mood support supplements became the most watched innovation segment at the Western Natural Products Expo held this week in Anaheim, California.

Numerous exhibitors showcased functional products targeting stress management, sleep improvement and emotional balance, with a notable increase in formulations featuring ashwagandha, rhodiola, GABA and saffron extract.

Data from market research firm SPINS shows sales of mood support supplements in the U.S. market rose 28% year-over-year in the past year, outpacing traditional immune and digestive health categories.

Industry analysts noted that as consumer focus on mental health continues to rise, mood-support ingredients that function both as food additives and carry functional claims are entering a period of rapid growth.

(Source: FoodNavigator-USA)
 

Health Canada Proposes Expanding Stevia Glycosides Use to Children’s Foods

According to the official website of Health Canada and industry media NutraIngredients-USA, Health Canada launched a public consultation this week, proposing to approve the use of high-purity steviol glycosides — including rebaudioside M and rebaudioside D — in selected children’s food categories, such as flavoured milk, yogurt drinks and breakfast cereals.

The draft document states that available toxicological data confirm steviol glycosides are safe for the paediatric population at the proposed maximum permitted levels.

This move aims to help food manufacturers reduce added sugars in children’s foods to address the growing problem of childhood obesity.
The public consultation period runs until May 15, 2026.

(Source: Official website of Health Canada)
 

Global Feed Grain Market: Corn Prices Swing at High Levels Awaiting Direction

Foreign media reported on March 22: In the week ending March 20, 2026, global corn prices edged lower, but benchmark Chicago corn futures remained near 8‑month highs.

Although soybean and wheat prices have exerted downward pressure on price ratios, corn has traded relatively stably amid support from macro capital flows, surging energy prices, and solid fundamentals, with its upward trend still intact.

Notably, the conflict in the Middle East has driven oil prices sharply higher, boosting the outlook for ethanol demand. At the same time, disrupted fertilizer transport has raised fertilizer costs, increasing corn planting expenses and potentially reducing spring planting acreage — providing dual support for the corn market.

(Source: Beer Industry Information Network)
 

Strait of Hormuz Gridlock Prompts Investment Bank to Cut DSV Earnings and Price Targets

The gridlock in the Strait of Hormuz is intensifying global economic pressure.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed. Average daily transits dropped from 129 vessels in February to just 6 in March — a 95% plunge.

According to UNCTAD data, oil prices and freight rates have surged sharply since the U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran began on February 28.Taking February 27 as a baseline index of 100, crude oil tanker freight rates reached 188 by late March, while product tanker rates rose to 215.

Deutsche Bank has lowered its earnings forecasts and price target for DSV, citing a significantly harsher economic environment and elevated risks stemming from the conflict and higher oil prices.

(Source: Shipping China)
 

New Direct Express Service Launched from Shanghai and Nansha Ports, Cutting Cross-Border Logistics Time for Supplement Ingredients

According to shipping platform Port Circle and Alpha liner, COSCO SHIPPING Lines announced this week a new “Fast Pass” direct express service linking Shanghai Port, Guangzhou Nansha Port and the U.S. West Coast.

The route deploys 6 container vessels of 4,000 TEU each, with a total transit time of only 12 days — about 5 days faster than traditional services.
This new route will provide a more efficient logistics channel for exports of health supplements and food additives, including vitamins, plant extracts and probiotic powder, helping reduce inventory pressure and capital tie-up in cross-border supply chains.

Insiders noted that the launch coincides with the peak foreign trade season and is expected to alleviate schedule delays caused by recent port congestion, improving the stability of international trade.

(Source: COSCO SHIPPING Launches New China‑U.S. Direct Express, Speeding Up Food Additive Export Logistics)