Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-23 16:11Core Insights - The article highlights the strategic importance of Weifang, Shandong, in the global supply chain, particularly in the production of citric acid, referred to as "industrial MSG," which is essential for the food, pharmaceutical, and detergent industries [1][6] - Weifang's dominance in citric acid production is attributed to its advanced processing techniques and cost-effective production methods, making it difficult for Western companies to compete [3][5] - The article emphasizes that the control of basic industrial materials like citric acid can serve as a form of geopolitical leverage, similar to high-tech industries [6][8] Industry Analysis - Weifang has transformed its citric acid production by optimizing every step of corn deep processing, achieving significant cost reductions through an integrated thermal power generation system [3] - The region's ability to utilize waste products effectively has turned potential environmental burdens into revenue streams, further enhancing its competitive edge [3][5] - Despite attempts by global beverage giants to diversify their supply chains to countries like Vietnam and India, these efforts have proven ineffective due to infrastructure and energy reliability issues, reinforcing Weifang's unique position [5] Market Dynamics - Over 60% of the world's citric acid production capacity is concentrated in Weifang and its surrounding areas, creating a dependency that is difficult to break [5] - The remaining companies in Weifang have shifted focus towards producing high-purity pharmaceutical-grade citric acid, indicating a move towards higher value-added products [6] - The geopolitical implications of Weifang's control over citric acid production suggest that fluctuations in production could significantly impact global supply chains, particularly for major brands like Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble [8]