The Institute for Feed Education and Research (IFEEDER) has released a new report revealing the extent of the United States’ dependence on China for essential vitamins and amino acids that underpin both animal and human food systems. The study, titled “Strategic Assessment on the Impact of Vitamin and Amino Acid Supply Chain Disruptions on U.S. Food Security,” explores how shortages of these essential components may affect animal welfare, interfere with livestock output, and ultimately jeopardise food security across the country.
The study, which was carried out in collaboration with Decision Innovation Solutions and Lobo Consulting, examines the integration of vitamins and amino acids in domestic cattle diets, U.S. import patterns from 2020 to 2024, and worldwide production trends. Although the study indicates that certain dietary changes could assist in compensating for restricted availability, researchers came to the conclusion that these changes would not completely stop reductions in animal welfare, health, or productivity.
“IFEEDER plays a critical role in identifying key questions and delivering independent, science-based research to inform U.S. feed and pet food industry leaders,” said IFEEDER Executive Director Lara Moody. “Proactively addressing potential supply chain threats is one of the industry’s most pressing concerns. The extent of the U.S. reliance on China for vitamins and amino acids was more significant than many anticipated, underscoring the need for objective, reliable data to guide effective policy decisions before these risks escalate.”
Vitamin A, the B-complex vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B7, B12), vitamin D3, vitamin E, lysine, threonine, tryptophan, and methionine are among the essential nutrients that are highlighted in the report as being present in contemporary feed formulations. According to research, the United States imports 78% of the vitamins and 62% of the amino acids used in pet food, livestock feed, and even pharmaceuticals from China.
Lysine is essential for laying hens to maintain egg size, shell strength, and albumen quality, which directly affects the quantity and quality of eggs that end up on store shelves. Similarly, sufficient vitamin A levels influence the stability and cost of protein sources by assisting food-producing animals in reaching market weight more rapidly and effectively.
According to IFEEDER’s assessment, the productivity of cattle and poultry in the United States is largely dependent on these carefully designed diets, honed over decades of research, development, and field testing. Furthermore, feed supply chains are intimately linked to wider food security because the same vitamins and amino acids that are vital for animal health are also utilised in fortified human diets and nutritional supplements.
The results indicate an urgent need for strategic planning to protect the country’s food system from potential disruptions, given the lack of alternate supply pathways and growing global uncertainty.
