Zheng Quan Shi Bao·2025-06-08 18:40Core Insights - The functional sugar industry in China is experiencing a boom driven by national policy support and increasing health consumption demand, but it also faces challenges from international trade tensions and domestic competition [1][5][6] Industry Overview - Yucheng, known as the "Capital of Functional Sugar" in China, produces 35% of the global and 60% of the domestic functional sugar market share, with major companies like Baolingbao and Bailong Chuangyuan leading the industry [2][3] - The city has an annual production capacity of 1.5 million tons of various functional sugar products, leveraging local corn resources for production [2][3] Product Categories - Functional sugars are categorized into three types: functional sugar alcohols, functional dietary fibers, and functional oligosaccharides, with products like erythritol and xylitol being prominent examples [3][4] - New products such as trehalose are being developed for medical applications, including wound healing and vaccine stabilization [3] Market Dynamics - The rise of "zero-sugar" beverages has significantly increased the demand for erythritol, leading to a surge in production capacity that outstripped global demand, resulting in a price drop and industry consolidation [5][6] - Erythritol prices peaked at 40,000 yuan per ton before falling below cost price due to oversupply, leading to financial difficulties for many companies [6] Financial Performance - Companies like Baolingbao and Bailong Chuangyuan are beginning to see a recovery in profits, with Baolingbao reporting a net profit of 110 million yuan in 2024, a 106% increase year-on-year [6] Trade Challenges - The industry faces uncertainties due to anti-dumping investigations in the US and EU, with potential tariffs ranging from 3.29% to 233.3% on Chinese erythritol products [6][7] Strategic Adjustments - Companies are shifting focus to domestic markets while exploring new international markets, adapting their sales strategies to balance domestic and export demands [7] - New product development is a priority, with companies planning to increase production of high-demand products like allulose and tagatose [7][9] Future Outlook - The allulose market is expected to grow significantly, with projections estimating a market size of $200 million in 2024 and $500 million by 2030 [8][9] - Companies are actively expanding their allulose production capacities, anticipating regulatory approvals for new products in the near future [9][10]