Sodium bicarbonate markets experienced significant price corrections across major global regions during the second week of August 2025, with declines observed in China, the United States, and Turkey. The bearish momentum stems from persistent oversupply conditions, weakened downstream demand from key sectors including food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and industrial applications, coupled with favorable feedstock cost structures. Despite robust production capacity utilization exceeding 90% in most regions, sodium bicarbonate consumption patterns remain subdued as buyers adopt conservative procurement strategies amid uncertain market conditions.
Key Highlights
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Seasonal tapering in baking applications and reduced consumer activity following summer peak demand contributed to weakened sodium bicarbonate offtake
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Declining soda ash prices globally provided cost relief to sodium bicarbonate manufacturers, enabling competitive pricing strategies
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International trade flows remained constrained due to currency pressures, competitive alternatives, and reduced overseas inquiries from key importing regions
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Industrial buyers increasingly adopted just-in-time procurement approaches, avoiding forward purchases in anticipation of further sodium bicarbonate price declines
Sodium bicarbonate consumption in the largest end-use markets mirrored uneven but generally weak performance in the reporting period. Food and beverage, the largest consuming segment, saw seasonally moderated demand decline with summer baking volumes. Pharmaceutical use was stable but below-normal levels, which were insufficient to offset general market weakness. Industrial end uses such as flue gas desulfurization and detergent production exhibited no incremental growth, as numerous markets experienced project delays and tight inventory planning....
