India's sodium bromide market posted a sharp uptick in January 2026, supported by firmer upstream drilling and seasonal stocking that sustained landed demand. Supply appeared steady from Jordan, Israel, and exporters, with softer methanol-linked feedstock costs aiding economics. In mid-month, eased freight and smoother port handling preserved flows; however, late-month dynamics, notably a surge in bromine input costs amid broader energy inflation, encouraged a firmer sentiment. Pre-season call-offs from utilities and energy contractors lifted buying interest, outweighing softer spot appetite from downstream processors. Demand for sodium bromide diverged across end-uses, underpinning the January uplift in activity. Energy fluids and related drilling and workover markets were drivers, while water-treatment pre-season call-offs provided modest support; industrial cleaners and chemical processors cooled spot demand. Looking ahead, the near-term outlook for sodium bromide remains tilted higher, with analysts projecting prices could rise further in February 2026, driven by pre-season demand, origin delays, and sustained input-cost pressures. Import activity and supply dynamics suggest continued interest, though a post-season slowdown remains possible.
