It is no secret that the underground AAS market is facing one of its most disruptive supply chain crises in years: a severe shortage of raw materials originating from China, with Drostanolone (Masteron) and Methenolone (Primobolan) hit hardest.

What began as whispers in online forums and podcasts has escalated into a full-blown scramble for these premium, low-side-profile compounds, leaving labs, distributors, and end-users scrambling for alternative compounds.

Let’s look at what caused this shortage, and what we at BTW are doing about it…

THE ROOTS OF THE SHORTAGE

China has long been the undisputed kingpin of AAS raw powder production, supplying 80-90% of the world's underground labs with high-purity precursors for everything from Testosterone to exotic peptides. But in 2025, a perfect storm of factors has brought that pipeline to a near-standstill, particularly for Masteron and Primobolan.

• Enforcement Busts and Factory Shutdowns: Multiple high-profile raids on Chinese labs earlier this year targeted facilities producing not just AAS raws but also precursors for other controlled substances.
• New Export Laws and Olympic-Linked Pauses: In September 2024, China tightened regulations on hormone-based materials and precursors, requiring stricter documentation and inspections for all exports.

The impact is felt across the board: Underground labs are idling, distributors are rationing stock, and users report everything from delayed cycles to forced switches to alternatives like Equipoise or even Trenbolone for their cutting/hardening cycles.

BTW: BORN FROM THE CRISIS

Amid this chaos, a new player emerged to fill the void:

“Beyond The Weights” (BTW)

Founded by a team of industry veterans, BTW is a vertically integrated solution prioritizing quality, transparency, and affordability.

What sets us apart is that we recognized early that the shortage wasn't temporary; it was a signal for diversification. By sourcing from vetted suppliers from all over the world, we've rebuilt supply chains allowing us to provide every single product you could ever ask for, including Masteron and Primobolan.

Our raws undergo third-party HPLC testing for 99%+ purity, with certificates of analysis (COAs) provided on every batch, something that has become a rarity in the post-shortage scramble.

LOOKING AHEAD

The China shortage may ease by mid-2026 as factories adapt or new production hubs emerge (India and Eastern Europe are already ramping up), but the lesson is clear: Over-reliance on a single source was always a vulnerability. For now, though, the pain is real, and BTW is the antidote.