China Vitamin C Exports Jump in Volume as Prices Stay Under Pressure
China's exports of vitamin C and its derivatives maintained strong volume growth in 2025, even as export prices continued to decline amid persistent market pressure, according to industry data.
From January to December 2025, China exported a total of 224,000 tonnes of vitamin C and related products, with total export value reaching approximately USD 636 million. The average export price stood at USD 2.83 per kilogram, marking a 21.3% year-on-year increase in export volume, while the average price fell 18.3% from a year earlier. Overall, the data show sustained growth in shipment volumes alongside a downward trend in prices.
In December, the average export price slipped to USD 2.57 per kilogram. However, transaction prices in the fourth quarter stabilized on a quarter-on-quarter basis, suggesting a potential easing of price volatility toward year-end.
Regionally, exports were highly concentrated. Hebei and Shandong provinces together accounted for more than 157,000 tonnes, representing 69.9% of China's total vitamin C exports. Heilongjiang province ranked third, contributing 8.95% of total shipments.
In terms of destinations, the United States remained the largest export market, accounting for 15.7% of total export value, followed by Germany with 10.85%. Japan and the Netherlands were also key markets. Over the full year, China exported vitamin C products to 144 countries and regions worldwide, underscoring its dominant role in the global supply chain.
Domestically, vitamin C prices in China are currently holding at around RMB 18–20 per kilogram, while export quotations are approximately USD 2.5 per kilogram. Since the second half of the year, major Chinese producers have repeatedly suspended price quotations in an effort to stabilize the market. Despite these measures, prices remain at relatively low levels.
Looking ahead, industry expectations suggest that export prices are unlikely to see a significant rebound in the first quarter of this year. Given the product's large market size and the fact that global vitamin C production capacity is highly concentrated in China, export price movements continue to attract close attention from international markets.