Peptone is a mixture of peptides, amino acids and trace elements obtained by acid, alkali or enzymatic hydrolysis of proteins. It appears as a light-yellow to brown powder, readily soluble in water but insoluble in ethanol or ether. Serving as an indispensable "complex nitrogen source" in microbial culture, fermentation industry and biopharmaceuticals, it is widely used for antibiotics, enzyme preparations, food fermentation, microbial identification and biological reagents. Reports indicate that about one fifth of China’s peptone output is exported, and export volumes have been rising year after year.

       Customs data show that by October 2025 China had exported 1,330 tonnes of peptone, up 47.7 % year-on-year, worth USD 7.83 million (+55.05 %). Both volume and value in April 2025 more than doubled compared with April 2024, recording growth above 130 %.

  Market snapshot  

       China’s peptone exports are highly concentrated. India leads with 23.5 % of total value, followed by Italy (19.5 %)—an especially active buyer—and Brazil (14.6 %), which posts steady, predictable orders. Japan ranks fourth, but its purchasing is highly seasonal: in August 2025 alone it bought USD 356.7 k (42.4 % of that month’s total). Taiwan, China (12.3 %) is the most consistent monthly customer and the sector’s most reliable core market.

       Russia, South Korea and Malaysia are secondary targets with upside potential; Malaysian demand surged between August and October. Germany, Hong Kong China, Kuwait, Belarus and Canada have all placed one-off large orders—opportunity markets that suppliers should watch even though repeat business is thin. By contrast, the much-hyped U.S. market has taken only USD 72.9 k (1.1 % of the total), suggesting hidden barriers, tariffs or certification hurdles.

       The top five destinations account for 75 % of shipments, and month-to-month volatility in Japan, India and elsewhere points to lumpy, project-style contracts rather than steady consumption, complicating production planning. Although peptone is now sold to 41 countries, most accounts remain small and erratic, so a truly diversified base has yet to be built.

  Global share  

       China supplies an estimated 19-20 % of world peptone trade, a share that is rising each year; export volumes have already overtaken imports. With synthetic biology, vaccines and biodegradable materials all expanding, peptone is graduating from “culture-medium ingredient” to “bio-manufacturing feedstock”, ensuring sustained technical and market attention. Chinese exports are therefore poised to entrench themselves further as a critical node in the global supply chain.

       As China's first data company, Guomaotong （gtradedata）provides import and export customs data for over 90 countries from 2010 to present. It can accurately analyze market distribution and transaction details of import and export enterprises online, and analyze transaction volumes, prices, and supply cycles. It offers reliable data for foreign trade enterprises and industry consulting firms.

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