China Sodium Isethionate Prices Rise 3% in May Amid Demand Recovery

China’s Sodium Isethionate market showed early signs of stabilization during the first half of May as improving seasonal demand expectations and slightly better export inquiry activity supported a gradual recovery in market sentiment. After facing persistent oversupply pressure and subdued downstream procurement throughout April, suppliers in China began witnessing relatively improved buying interest from water-treatment and pulp & paper sectors ahead of the summer consumption cycle.

Export participants also reported cautious re-entry from several Northeast Asian buyers who had previously deferred purchases amid uncertain market conditions. Although the recovery remained moderate, the Sodium Isethionate market outlook turned comparatively firmer as producers attempted to restore margins while balancing still-elevated inventory levels and high operating rates.

The improving tone in May followed a significantly bearish trend observed during April, when China’s Sodium Isethionate market moved decisively lower due to abundant spot availability and weak downstream...