02 Dec 2025

China’s grip on vitamins, amino acids threatens US food security

Researchers warn that even minor supply interruptions from China could weaken animal health and reduce US meat, milk, and egg output.

Jess Ramanee

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China now controls most global production of essential vitamins and amino acids, inputs critical to both animal and human nutrition.

This dominance leaves the US heavily exposed to supply disruptions, a study by the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) shows.

With geopolitical tensions rising, the risk of shortages threatens livestock health, food output, and overall US food security.

AFIA urges immediate policy action

In response, the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) called on lawmakers, trade officials, and food chain leaders to act quickly.

AFIA President and CEO Constance Cullman stressed that the industry has long warned about growing reliance on China, but the new data “makes it impossible to continue ignoring this threat.”

Global supply fragility under review

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IFEEDER’s research examined global vitamin and amino acid flows between 2020 and 2024. Nutrition experts assessed how even small supply interruptions could affect animal health and the availability of meat, milk, and eggs.

The study focused on vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B7, B12, D3, and E, alongside key amino acids such as lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and methionine.

Heavy US reliance on China

The report shows that the US imports 78% of its vitamins from Chinese producers. China also produces 62% of the world’s amino acids used in feed, pet food, and pharmaceuticals.

For some nutrients, like biotin (vitamin B7), China supplies 100% of global production. Even minor disruptions could quickly affect animal health and lead to reduced food output.

Why these inputs matter

China’s dominance reflects decades of investment in fermentation technology and large-scale manufacturing.

Although vitamins and amino acids represent a small portion of total feed volume, they are essential for animal immunity, growth, fertility, and productivity.

In 2023, US livestock and poultry consumed roughly 425,236 tons of amino acids and 48,903 tons of supplemental vitamins as part of nearly 250 million tons of total feed.

Industry to build resilience strategy

AFIA plans to work with industry partners to identify the most critical vitamins and amino acids needing immediate attention.

The goal is to recommend strategies for the White House, Congress, and the feed industry to diversify sourcing, expand domestic manufacturing, and strengthen supply-chain resilience.

Potential consequences of shortages

Ms Cullman emphasized that vitamins A, D, and E are vital to livestock and poultry performance, supported by decades of research. Shortages could slow growth, weaken immunity, reduce egg size and shell strength, and ultimately limit the availability of meat, milk, and eggs across the US.

Call for unified national response

“The animal feed industry appreciates the efforts of the Trump administration and lawmakers who are already working on this issue,” Ms Cullman said.

She stressed that coordinated action across government and industry is critical to ensuring long-term US food security.

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