Sodium bromide prices across the United States experienced dramatic increases in November 2025 after all imports from Israel, the US's largest supplier, were cut off completely. At that point, suppliers were experiencing a "supply shock," and there was a resulting sharp increase in pricing for sodium bromide in the US market. Additionally, increasing shipping difficulties were at the same time creating higher prices due to increased insurance costs, container shortages, and congested shipping lanes in the Mediterranean area. Although there was only a relatively small increase (0.4%) in the price of bromine in Israel, the logistics of the shipping situation greatly exaggerated that small increase into considerable increases across the US sodium bromide pricing. Seasonal requirements for sodium bromide and higher demand from users, including the water treatment, utility, and specialty chemical industries, were creating a significant shortage in entry for purchasing additional sodium bromide for users as part of their preparations for winter use.
