For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• In April 2025, the Price Index of Sodium Bisulfite (CFR New York) dropped to USD 521/MT, driven by oversupply and low downstream recovery across food preservation, textiles, and water treatment sectors.
• Elevated domestic inventories and competitively priced imports from China weighed on the product spot price, even as export values saw marginal support from rising production cost trends tied to sulfuric acid prices.
• Buyers exhibited risk-averse behavior in April due to inflation and tariff-related uncertainties, weakening the sodium bisulfite demand outlook despite cheaper overseas offerings.
• In May 2025, the Sodium Bisulfite Price Index rose 1.92% to USD 531/MT, fueled by stable demand and active restocking by pulp & paper and industrial treatment sectors.
• Late May saw a surge in product spot price by 6.24%, as short-term procurement activity intensified amid improving market fundamentals.
• The upward momentum continued into June, with the Price Index jumping 22.60% month-on-month to USD 651/MT due to a rush in import bookings ahead of expected tariff reinstatement.
• Rising freight costs, logistics bottlenecks, and supply disruptions from Chinese ports contributed to June’s sharp price rise and constrained market availability.
• Temporary tariff relief on Chinese imports encouraged bulk imports in early June, which pushed up landed production cost trends and supported aggressive buying.
• The sodium bisulfite demand outlook remained strong in June across industrial and pharmaceutical sectors, as buyers engaged in proactive stockpiling.
• Price Index in July 2025 is expected to decline, as early bulk imports led to market saturation; transactional activity slowed by mid-month, suggesting a short-term softening in the product spot price and moderate price forecast correction.
APAC
• In April 2025, the Price Index of Sodium Bisulfite dropped to USD 375/MT as strong domestic production and high inventory buildup outpaced a sluggish product demand outlook.
• The early-April decline was fueled by steady manufacturing ahead of summer maintenance, weak global demand, and flat sulfuric acid costs, exerting downward pressure on the product spot price.
• Despite a 0.80% recovery in May to USD 378/MT, market behavior remained cautious, with buyers limiting restocking amid tariff risks and geopolitical concerns.
• Domestic Sodium Bisulfite demand from sectors like water treatment and pulp & paper remained firm, helping stabilize the product price forecast, even as exports to North America dipped.
• In May, Chinese suppliers aligned production with real demand and opted for controlled shipments, avoiding excessive inventory accumulation and maintaining product price index stability.
• By early June, the Sodium Bisulfite price index climbed significantly to USD 403/MT, led by strong international orders and soaring freight rates due to new General Rate Increases and tight container space.
• Overseas buyers, especially in the U.S. and Germany, advanced bulk orders to hedge against expected freight cost spikes, adding momentum to the rising product spot price.
• June’s bullish trend was supported by increased usage from downstream sectors like food preservation, water treatment, and paper, tightening supply across the board.
• The Sodium Bisulfite demand outlook for July suggests continued price firmness or further increases, as Western markets maintain high demand and exporters hold offers high amid sustained logistics bottlenecks.
• With exporters leveraging cost-push pressures and buyers frontloading procurement, the product price forecast for July remains optimistic, especially under persistent export strain.
Europe
• In April 2025, the price index for imported Sodium Bisulfite in Europe softened due to oversupply and lackluster global demand, as Chinese exporters offered discounts to move excess inventory.
• European buyers showed procurement restraint amid geopolitical tensions and tariff-related uncertainties, particularly after U.S. tariffs disrupted global trade sentiment, affecting the product spot price.
• Sodium Bisulfite Imports remained steady, but weak downstream offtake in sectors like water treatment and food processing kept demand-side pull limited, impacting the product demand outlook.
• During May, the price index stabilized marginally as European buyers increased orders to diversify away from volatile suppliers and ensure consistent product access.
• Despite elevated freight risk, demand from food preservation and pulp & paper sectors supported steady imports, reinforcing a moderately bullish product price forecast.
• By early June, the price index for imports from Asia rose sharply as rising freight surcharges and container scarcity pushed up landed costs of Sodium Bisulfite.
• European importers responded to tightening logistics by frontloading orders, accepting higher offer levels to safeguard delivery schedules, driving up the product spot price.
• Downstream usage remained solid in June, especially in municipal utilities and paper manufacturing, further contributing to upward momentum in the regional product price index.
• The Sodium Bisulfite demand outlook for July appears firm, with traders maintaining aggressive pricing amid expectations of prolonged supply chain strain and elevated freight rates.
• Given continued import tightness and resilient demand, the product price forecast for July suggests further increases or sustained high levels for Sodium Bisulfite across European markets.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the U.S. Sodium Bisulfite market experienced considerable price fluctuations, largely driven by shifting supply and demand conditions. Early January saw a notable price drop due to weak demand, excess inventories, and increased competition from imports, particularly from China.
However, February marked a reversal, with prices rising as demand from key sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food, and chemicals strengthened. The resumption of Chinese operations also contributed to increased order flows, while rising freight costs added upward pressure. As March progressed, prices continued to rise initially but later corrected due to improved supply conditions. The easing of import constraints, coupled with more stable logistics, helped moderate price increases, while a slight reduction in production costs further alleviated pressures on domestic suppliers. Despite these fluctuations, demand remained steady across critical industries, with increased procurement from international buyers.
Supply chain disruptions, logistical challenges, and rising production costs were persistent influences throughout the quarter, but as the quarter closed, market conditions seemed to stabilize, signaling potential price normalization in the near future.
Asia Pacific
In Q1 2025, the Chinese Sodium Bisulfite market displayed a series of fluctuations, with prices initially decreasing due to abundant supply, low sulfuric acid costs, and weak market sentiment. However, the market began to shift in February as production resumed post-Lunar New Year. This recovery, alongside increasing demand from sectors like pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals, coupled with rising freight rates, triggered a modest price increase. By March, the market's upward momentum strengthened. Supply constraints and logistical disruptions kept prices firm, with both domestic and international buyers actively securing volumes. Rising sulfuric acid prices, due to production cost hikes and supply shortages, further supported the trend. Manufacturers faced continued production pressures as demand remained robust, particularly from the food and chemical industries. At the same time, geopolitical factors and supply risks contributed to heightened market uncertainty, with buyers adopting aggressive procurement strategies to ensure stability. Throughout the quarter, tight inventory levels and the ongoing demand-supply imbalance kept the market volatile, signaling a period of cautious optimism for suppliers.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European Sodium Sulfite market saw a series of fluctuations, with prices initially softening in January. The decline was primarily due to weaker demand from key sectors, political uncertainty, and concerns about potential tariff hikes on Chinese goods. As the market entered February, prices started to recover as supply chain disruptions, including port congestion and labor disputes, began to impact the flow of goods. These disruptions, combined with rising freight costs, contributed to a modest price increase. By March, the market's upward momentum strengthened further. Despite the ongoing supply chain challenges, both domestic and international buyers were actively procuring volumes, driving prices higher. The strengthening of the Euro also supported import conditions, providing additional upward pressure on prices. At the same time, weak demand from certain sectors, including chemicals, led to oversupply, which eventually contributed to price stabilization. Throughout the quarter, supply shortages, logistical challenges, and geopolitical factors kept the market volatile, signaling cautious optimism as suppliers navigated a tight market environment.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The U.S. Sodium Bisulfite Market Exhibited Volatility with an Overall Upward Trend in Prices. In Q4 2024, the U.S. Sodium Bisulfite market experienced substantial price fluctuations, largely driven by robust demand and persistent supply challenges. October saw significant price increases due to declining inventories, strong pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sector consumption, and disruptions from China's Golden Week holiday. Prices rose consistently in late October, as rising production costs and the weakened U.S. dollar further strained the market.
In early November, prices briefly declined due to oversupply and subdued trading activity but rebounded mid-month, driven by supply constraints and rising Sulfuric Acid costs. However, by late November, sluggish demand and ample stockpiles led to a sharp 3.70% price drop, settling at $650/MT CFR New York.
December began with another price surge, fueled by limited Chinese exports, higher procurement costs, and increased domestic demand. U.S. importers faced escalating costs due to currency fluctuations, persistent port inefficiencies, and elevated shipping expenses. Despite temporary market corrections, the quarter ended with a notable upward trend in prices, underpinned by strong consumption and constrained supply.
Asia Pacific
The Sodium Bisulfite market in Q4 2024 displayed a predominantly bearish trend, marked by persistent price declines and oversupply pressures. Throughout the quarter, the market experienced fluctuating dynamics. In early October, prices remained stable due to balanced supply-demand conditions and the Golden Week holiday in China. However, by mid-October, prices began climbing, supported by robust export demand, rising Sulfuric Acid costs, and proactive procurement.
This bullish phase was short-lived as oversupply issues emerged in November, driven by increased domestic production and reduced Chinese exports. Falling crude oil prices further intensified the price drop, creating a buyer's market. Despite temporary upticks in trading activity and long-term contract negotiations, the market faced significant downward pressure.
December saw further declines as suppliers aggressively pursued destocking strategies to meet year-end inventory targets. Weak demand from key sectors and subdued downstream absorption capacity exacerbated the situation, keeping prices under pressure. By the end of Q4, Sodium Bisulfite prices had declined consistently, with oversupply and inventory management efforts shaping the market’s trajectory. The downturn highlighted structural challenges that limited recovery despite steady procurement activities.
Europe
The European Sodium Bisulfite market demonstrated remarkable resilience in Q4 2024, with prices following an aggressive upward trajectory driven by acute supply constraints and heightened industrial demand. October marked a decisive shift as manufacturers implemented substantial price increases, responding to soaring energy costs and operational challenges. The market saw prices surge, reflecting robust demand from the paper and textile industries.
November intensified this bullish trend, with prices climbing steadily due to critical raw material shortages and increased production costs. European manufacturers strategically reduced operational rates to maintain profit margins, while simultaneously managing elevated energy expenses. The water treatment sector's persistent demand further strengthened suppliers' positions in price negotiations.
December culminated in peak price levels, as severe logistics constraints and depleted inventories dominated the market landscape. The quarter concluded with unwavering demand from key end-use industries, particularly in Germany and France, while manufacturers maintained strict control over supply volumes. Regional production constraints and solid order books from the pharmaceutical sector reinforced the market's strong position, setting a firm foundation for Q1 2025.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Bisulfite market in North America experienced a notable shift towards increasing prices, with the USA witnessing the most significant price changes. However, the prices did decrease at the commencement of Q3.
This decrease is attributable to a combination of global and domestic factors. Chief among these is the reduction in production costs in key manufacturing and exporting countries, which has intensified price competition and could threaten the industry's long-term profitability. Additionally, U.S. buyers have postponed new purchases, expecting further price reductions, which has exacerbated the supply-demand imbalance. Companies are also liquidating their excess inventories to cut storage costs and mitigate spoilage risks, leading to an oversupply in the market and diminishing buyer willingness to accept higher prices.
Several key factors influenced market later prices to increase during this quarter. Supply challenges from major exporting regions, rising production costs, geopolitical tensions, and global supply disruptions all contributed to the upward pressure on prices. Additionally, geopolitical instability in the Middle East and President Joe Biden's new tariffs on Chinese imports further impacted market dynamics, leading to a surge in crude oil prices and overall supply chain costs. The overall trend in the USA market revealed stable and optimistic sentiment, with prices steadily increasing throughout the quarter. The quarter-ending price of USD 665/MT of Sodium Bisulfite CFR New York with average quarterly inclination of 1.19% in the USA signifies a robust and positive pricing environment.
Asia Pacific
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Bisulfite market in the APAC region saw a consistent uptrend in prices driven by several key factors. However, Q3 commences with a setback and decreased prices. The depreciation of the Chinese yuan against the US dollar reduced arbitrage opportunities for Chinese exporters, increasing domestic supply and decreasing global competitiveness. Simultaneously, ongoing geopolitical tensions disrupted trade flows and raised freight charges, further complicating the supply chain.
Reduced demand, both domestically and internationally, eased upward price pressure and potentially led to an oversupply situation. With manufacturing plants nearing scheduled shutdowns from late September to July, market players faced pressure to destock inventories, especially for heat-sensitive powdered products like Sodium Bisulfite. Lower-than-average cargo availability and slower shipments exacerbated these challenges. Later Increased export demand, tight supply conditions, and rising production costs due to elevated feedstock prices were primary influencers. These elements created a robust pricing environment, leading to steady price growth throughout the quarter.
In China specifically, the market experienced the most significant price changes, with ongoing supply challenges and strong international demand propelling prices upwards. Seasonal factors, such as upcoming manufacturing plant shutdowns and the need to clear heat-sensitive inventory, added complexity to the pricing dynamics. The quarter concluded with a price of USD 475/MT of Sodium Bisulfite -FOB Shanghai in China with average quarterly incline of 0.12%, highlighting the overall positive pricing trend in the region.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Bisulfite market in Europe demonstrated a notable upward price trajectory, with particularly significant movements observed across major European economies. However, the quarter began with a temporary price decline. This initial decrease can be attributed to several interrelated factors. Primary among these was the reduction in production costs from key global manufacturers, which temporarily intensified price competition in the European market.
Furthermore, European buyers initially delayed their purchases in anticipation of further price reductions, contributing to a temporary supply-demand misalignment. Market participants were also focused on inventory optimization, leading to some destocking activities to minimize storage expenses and reduce product degradation risks.
However, several key factors drove the subsequent price increases during the quarter. Supply constraints from major exporting nations, escalating production costs, and persistent global supply chain disruptions all contributed to upward price pressure. Additionally, geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and ongoing concerns about Russian energy supplies further impacted market dynamics, leading to increased energy costs and overall manufacturing expenses across Europe. The overall trend in the European market revealed resilient and bullish sentiment, with prices showing consistent growth throughout the latter part of the quarter
FAQs
1. Why did Sodium Bisulfite prices decline in April 2025 across key regions?
In April, Sodium Bisulfite prices fell in North America, China, and Europe mainly due to oversupply and slow downstream demand. U.S. markets were impacted by high inventories and lower consumption in sectors like food preservation and water treatment. In China, strong production ahead of summer maintenance outpaced demand, while European buyers showed restraint amid geopolitical and tariff uncertainties.
2. What caused the strong price rebound in May and June 2025?
Prices began rising in May as restocking resumed, particularly in North America’s industrial and pulp & paper sectors. China also saw improved order volumes and limited inventory accumulation. By June, the surge intensified due to import rushes before anticipated tariffs, rising freight rates, and tighter supply chains. Europe, too, experienced upward pressure as buyers accepted higher landed costs to ensure timely deliveries.
3. How did logistics and freight rates influence the market during Q2?
Freight played a crucial role in price movement. In June, General Rate Increases and container shortages sharply pushed up transportation costs. Chinese suppliers prioritized strategic exports, while European importers frontloaded purchases to avoid delivery delays. These trends contributed significantly to the rising Price Index in all major regions.
4. What sectors contributed most to Sodium Bisulfite demand during this quarter?
The pulp & paper, municipal water treatment, and food preservation sectors remained steady demand drivers. In North America, pharmaceutical applications also picked up by June. China saw consistent use across water and food industries, while European demand was led by utilities and packaging sectors, ensuring baseline consumption despite global uncertainties.
