I. Policy & Regulatory Updates

EU Authorizes Vermiculite as Feed Additive for First Time

On June 11, 2026, the European Commission issued Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1234, officially authorizing vermiculite as a feed additive-. It is classified as a "technological additive" within the functional group of "anti-caking agents"-. The authorization applies to chickens for fattening, chickens reared for laying or reproduction, and hens- and is granted for a period of 10 years-. The authorization is based on a favorable scientific assessment by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) of the dossier submitted by the applicant-. The regulation entered into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union-.

This marks the first time vermiculite has been authorized as a feed additive at the EU level, signaling further refinement of the EU's regulatory framework for anti-caking agent feed additives-.

EU Proposes Authorization of Laurel Leaf Essential Oil as Feed Additive

The European Commission has simultaneously published a draft regulation proposing the authorization of laurel leaf essential oil from Laurus nobilis L. as a feed additive, categorized as a "flavouring compound"-. The proposed authorization covers fattening turkeys, fattening chickens, fattening pigs, fattening cattle, salmon, dogs, cats, and other animal species-.

EU Feed Additive Simplification Package Continues to Advance

On July 6, 2026, members of the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) held a joint exchange of views on two draft reports under the Food and Feed Safety simplification package-. Discussions covered more equitable maximum residue limit rules, simplified hygiene and feed additive requirements, and harmonized analytical guidelines-.

II. Feed Additives – Industry Dynamics1. Vitamins: Centralized Maintenance Shutdowns InitiatedSince July, the vitamin market has entered a period of centralized maintenance shutdowns:

2. Feed Additives Sector: +2% on July 1, -3% on July 7

On July 1, the Feed Additives Sector Index closed at 1,984.489 points, up 2%, with turnover of RMB 1.312 billion-. The top 5 gainers included Adisseo , Yaxiang Co., Ltd. , and Jinhe Industrial -.

On July 7, the index closed at 1,987.512 points, down 3%, with turnover of RMB 1.574 billion-. The top 5 losers included Aipu Shares , Yaxiang Co., Ltd. , Xinghuo Technology , Brother Technology , and Jindan Technology -.

III. Betaine: Steady Growth & Production Capacity Expansion

Company News

On July 7, Health (Hangzhou) Husbandry Sci-tech Co., Ltd. was named to the 2025 "Zhejiang Export Famous Brand" list-. A total of 417 Zhejiang Export Famous Brands and 40 cross-border e-commerce export famous brands were recognized province-wide, with the designation valid for three years (2026–2029)-.

IV. Creatine Monohydrate

India's MuscleBlaze has launched Creatine Chews (chewable creatine tablets), aiming to expand its user base through a novel dosage form and by highlighting cognitive benefits. Creatine has become the brand's top-selling SKU.

Brazil's MCG has entered the sports nutrition market with the launch of its Supripower brand creatine monohydrate products.

V. L-Carnitine: Stable Market & New Research Supports Aquaculture Applications

Latest Research

A study published in July 2026 showed that supplementing feed with 300 mg/kg of L-carnitine significantly improved the specific growth rate of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei (Pacific white shrimp) while simultaneously reducing the feed conversion ratio. Another study demonstrated that supplementing the diet of dairy goats with sorbitol and L-carnitine synergistically improved energy metabolism, milk yield, and offspring growth.

VI. International Industry News

1. US Feed Additives Pricing Webinar

On July 9, Expana hosted a webinar titled "How Tariffs, Trade Duties & China Dependency Are Shaping 2026 Feed Additive Pricing." The session focused on the drivers of current prices amid tariff and trade activities, and how import dependence on Chinese vitamins and amino acids exposes buyers in various regions to risk. Discussions also covered how Europe is responding to protect its feed additives manufacturing base.

2. EU Assesses Safety of Glucansucrase Produced by GM Bacillus subtilis

On July 7, the EU issued a notification regarding the safety assessment of glucansucrase produced by the genetically modified Bacillus subtilis strain DP-Eyp97.

3. EU Reaches Political Agreement on Simplifying Cosmetics, Chemicals Labelling & Fertiliser Regulations

On July 7, the EU reached a political agreement on simplifying regulations for cosmetics, chemicals labelling, and fertilisers.

4. New Scientific Research on Betaine

Dairy Cow Mammary Health: Recent studies show that betaine can promote milk protein synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells by alleviating oxidative stress induced by non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), suggesting its potential as a nutritional intervention to improve milk protein content in dairy cows with metabolic disorders.

VII. Upcoming Trade Shows & Events

EuroTier 2026 Innovation Award Reminder

The application deadline for the EuroTier 2026 Innovation Award and Animal Welfare Award is July 31, 2026. This year's guiding theme is "Intelligence in Animal Farming." The selection will focus on technological innovations that improve efficiency, animal welfare, farm management, and environmental and energy performance.