US Seeks to Reduce Dependence on Chinese Bio-Microingredients for Food Security
On December 10, 2025, US lawmakers highlighted concerns about the country's reliance on China for essential vitamins and amino acids, which pose risks to food and national security. The US aims to reduce its dependence from 70-80% to 30-40%, focusing on institutionalizing biomanufacturing as a national priority.
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The US imports approximately 78% of its vitamins from China, raising alarms about food security, particularly as certain nutrients like biotin are produced solely in China. Lawmakers are urging a strategic shift to reduce this dependence on bio-microingredients.
China has established an integrated industrial ecosystem for these products, supported by state-led policies and significant investments, while the US framework remains fragmented and reactive. US companies excel in microbial fermentation knowledge but lack the scale for cost-competitive production of low-margin products.
Various bottlenecks hinder US industrial viability, including high costs of utilities and stringent regulatory environments. To compete, the US must harmonize standards, create shared infrastructure, and leverage strategic instruments like the Defense Production Act for biomanufacturing growth.
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