US Sodium Benzoate Faces a New Price Test as Trade Flows Shift

US sodium benzoate prices remained stable during the first half of August 2026 after easing in July, as steady Chinese export offers balanced rising freight costs and subdued downstream buying. Chinese availability remained comfortable, while pharmaceutical and personal-care demand provided stability despite softer beverage-sector procurement. Higher Shanghai–New York freight increased import costs and supported landed-cost pressure for US buyers. Market participants also monitored the European Union’s provisional anti-dumping duties on Chinese sodium benzoate, which could redirect Asian cargoes toward the US and increase regional availability. Looking ahead to the second half of August, the sodium benzoate market is expected to remain stable to slightly firm. Higher freight expenses and gradually improving food and beverage demand could provide support, while potentially lower Chinese FOB offers and redirected exports may limit upward movement. Feedstock costs and possible maintenance-related supply changes could introduce volatility. The outlook remains subject to evolving trade flows, freight conditions, and downstream procurement activity.