China's Sodium Metal Prices Decline in July 2026 Amid Ample Supply and Weak Export

China&#**;s sodium metal market experienced a notable downtrend through July ****, as ample domestic supply intersected with weakening export demand and softer downstream appetite. Early July saw sustained production at major facilities, with key producers like Zhongyan Salt Industry Group maintaining its **,***-tonne annual capacity line at normal run-rates. This steady output, combined with accumulated port inventories from June, created an overhang that pressured FOB Shanghai offers. Mid-month, logistical windows remained open, enabling smooth deliveries to export warehouses and keeping spot availability abundant. Sellers grew increasingly willing to negotiate on sodium metal terms as European buyers delayed tenders amid currency volatility, while some Indian importers pivoted to alternative reducing agents. The battery sector offered limited support, as sodium-ion battery pilot projects continued to consume high-purity sodium metal volumes, though this was insufficient to offset broader softness. By late July, FOB assessments had declined further, reflecting a market where sodium metal supply consistently outpaced...