Zein Suppliers & Manufacturers
Identifiers
Functions
What does available trade activity indicate for Zein?
Zein is classified under HS Code 3504.00. This falls under Chapter 35: Albuminoidal substances; modified starches; glues; enzymes, specifically Heading 3504 (Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included; hide powder, whether or not chromed), under subheading: Peptones and their derivatives; other protein substances and their derivatives n.e.c. or included, hide powder, whether or not chromed.
* The data below is specific to the HS code, not the ingredient.
Suppliers
780
Across 55 countries
Shipments
11,765
from 2015 to 2026
Total weight
269.7M kg
26,151 TEU · standard 20-foot container units
Last shipment
6 months ago
Last updated at Feb 25, 2026
Growth
↑ 50%
Trade under 3504.00 has increased by 50% over the past 6 months
What does trade activity suggest about the Zein supply chain?
Trade activity under HS 3504.00 indicates a large, active protein-substance supply chain, with 780 suppliers, 11,765 shipments, and 269.7 million kg moved since 2015. However, this is not zein-specific evidence; the code covers peptones, other protein substances, and hide powder. The presence of major gelatin, starch, and soy protein producers among top suppliers confirms the data reflects broad protein trade, not a dedicated zein market. For formulation planning, treat this as a proxy for protein-sourcing availability, not a confirmed zein supply base.
What does the HS or HTS classification include, and where are its limits for Zein?
HS 3504.00 covers peptones and their derivatives, other protein substances and derivatives not elsewhere specified, and hide powder. Zein, as a corn protein, falls under this broad heading, but the classification also includes gelatin, collagen, soy protein, and other protein hydrolysates. The limits are significant: supplier activity under this code cannot be attributed to zein without product-level detail. For research, this means the data provides a ceiling for potential zein trade, not a precise measure, and any supplier identified here requires verification of zein-specific manufacturing.
Which suppliers are associated with Zein trade?
| Supplier | Shipments | Top customer | Growth | Last shipment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
No suppliers found. | |||||
How concentrated or diversified does the supplier landscape appear for Zein?
The supplier landscape appears highly fragmented, with 780 suppliers across 55 countries, but a few large players dominate shipment volumes. Rousselot, Shoalhaven Starches, and Roquette each have hundreds of shipments, indicating concentration in protein and starch processing. However, many suppliers are small, with one or few shipments, and the list includes gelatin, soy, and dairy protein firms, not just zein producers. For procurement, this suggests a diversified but not zein-specialized market; identifying true zein suppliers requires product-level screening.
Which supply risks or dependencies around Zein require further diligence?
Key supply risks include the inability to confirm zein-specific sourcing from HS 3504.00 data, as the code includes many non-zein proteins. Dependence on a few large suppliers (e.g., Rousselot, Shoalhaven) for overall protein trade may not translate to zein availability. Additionally, some suppliers show zero recent growth (e.g., Hulshof), indicating potential instability. Further diligence should verify which suppliers actually manufacture or distribute zein, assess corn-protein processing capabilities, and evaluate regional supply chain resilience, especially in China and Brazil.
Which sourcing geographies and trade lanes appear most relevant to Zein?
The most relevant sourcing geographies are Brazil, Belgium, China, Australia, and South Korea, which together account for the majority of shipments and weight. Brazil leads in shipment count (2,590) and has a major gelatin producer, while Belgium and Australia show high weight volumes, likely from starch and protein processors. China has the most suppliers (219), indicating a fragmented base. For sourcing strategy, these regions represent active protein-trade lanes, but zein-specific lanes cannot be confirmed; further verification is needed to identify actual corn-protein origins.
Which countries drive Zein trade activity?
By shipment count
Brazil
2,590 shipments
39 suppliers
35.5M kg total weight
Belgium
1,876 shipments
43 suppliers
52.6M kg total weight
China
1,666 shipments
219 suppliers
31.3M kg total weight
Australia
963 shipments
19 suppliers
48.5M kg total weight
South Korea
764 shipments
20 suppliers
14.7M kg total weight
Germany
437 shipments
39 suppliers
11.4M kg total weight
Spain
416 shipments
44 suppliers
9.4M kg total weight
Netherlands
383 shipments
37 suppliers
11.3M kg total weight
United Kingdom
342 shipments
25 suppliers
3.9M kg total weight
India
325 shipments
36 suppliers
8.7M kg total weight