What is driving the price and supply of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate in China's toothpaste and feed markets?

What is driving the price and supply of calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate in China's toothpaste and feed markets?
Calcium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) serves dual roles: as a mild abrasive in premium toothpaste and as a key feed phosphate additive. In oral care, its Mohs hardness of 2-2.5 makes it gentler on enamel than silica (hardness 7), and it supports enamel remineralization through calcium and phosphate release. However, formulators face challenges—DCPD can dehydrate and crystallize over time, and it reacts with fluoride to form fluorapatite, limiting its use in fluoridated pastes. In the feed sector, 2025 domestic DCP production reached 2.59 million tons, up 18% year-on-year, with operating rates at 52.3%. Export prices rose to $479/ton, up $64, driven by stronger international demand, particularly from Vietnam, Malaysia, and Japan. Supply consolidation continues, with major producers like Yuntianhua holding 70% of feed-grade DCP market share.