Although the spot price has eroded consistently during recent weeks , some end users say there appears to be producer reluctance to go lower at present. Cases of larger customers having booked 4 – 6 week requirements have been reported from a few European countries. Global demand for Methionine has been weak of late but there have been growing signs of recovery, especially in Asian countries like China. At another level, the market will now try to access the possible impact of the spread of swine flu on Methionine demand. Some analysts suggest that poultry meat may benefit from a switch away from pork. However, any impact could be temporary if the swine flu sets back the world economy and therefore , overall meat consumption.