The U.S. animal feed industry is responding to concern over its heavy dependence on China for vitamins and amino acids and pressing Washington to act to prevent a supply disruption from triggering a food security crisis. A November 2025 report from the Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) found that the U.S. relies on China for 78% of its vitamin imports and 62% of its amino acid supply used in animal feed, pet food and pharmaceuticals. Some vitamins, such as biotin, are produced exclusively in China. Industry leaders from the American Feed Industry Association (AFIA) and IFEEDER presented findings and policy recommendations at AFIA’s Purchasing and Ingredient Suppliers Conference (PISC) in Fort Worth, Texas, in March, warning that a disruption could ripple across livestock production, pet food formulation and infant nutrition.

A strong quality culture reduces deviations by embedding shared values and behaviors that emphasize doing things right the first time. When quality is part of everyday work, employees follow procedures more carefully and take proactive ownership to prevent errors. Open communication and accountability encourage early reporting of issues, allowing problems to be addressed before they escalate. Continuous training and improvement further strengthen processes, shifting organizations from reactive to preventive operations and enhancing overall performance.

As Q2 2026 approaches, the global vitamins market is entering a period defined by heightened geopolitical tension, shifting trade measures, and renewed logistics disruption. The Middle East conflict—including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and suspended Suez transits—has reshaped global shipping flows, extended lead times and raising transport costs just as inventories sit low across several key vitamins. Rising oil and feedstock prices and new U.S. tariff measures add further uncertainty. In this environment, early planning and timely coverage become essential to reduce exposure to potential tightening supply and firmer price trends.

Biotin is a vital water-soluble nutrient in animal nutrition, supporting key metabolic pathways that drive growth, efficiency, and overall performance. As the nutritional requirement for biotin is small, it is incorporated into feed at correspondingly low inclusion and therefore achieving uniform distribution in premixes and finished feeds is critical for optimal animal health outcomes. Dsm-firmenich addresses this challenge with two high-quality biotin forms: our Rovimix spray-dried biotin designed for optimal dispersion and handling, and an in-house dilution of crystalline biotin optimized for homogeneity and cost efficiency. Both options are to ensure reliable performance and consistent nutritional delivery across feed applications.