For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America (USA)
• Sodium Nitrite prices in the U.S. import market demonstrated a sharp uptrend during Q2 2025, with levels rising by a cumulative increase.
• The price trend was supported by modest demand from municipal water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and the food preservation sectors.
• Why did the price of Sodium Nitrite change in July 2025? In July, prices remained steady, supported by well-balanced inventory levels and consistent downstream demand following the restocking phase in Q1.
• Domestic trucking constraints tightened in June, creating slight distribution bottlenecks that limited broader price correction.
• Demand from healthcare and municipal applications remained steady, though no major industrial spike was recorded.
• Supply chain issues were minimal, with domestic availability sufficient to meet regional requirements.
• Compared to Q1 2025, the Sodium Nitrite market recorded a mild uptick of ~1.5%, reflecting localized demand resilience.
• The Sodium Nitrite Production Cost Trend was relatively stable, with marginal increases in energy and soda ash inputs.
• The Sodium Nitrite Price Forecast suggests marginal upward pressure in Q3, especially if inland transport tightens or food-grade demand surges.
Asia-Pacific (China)
• The Sodium Nitrite Price Index in APAC rose significantly in Q1 to USD 375/MT (FOB Qingdao) marking an uptick of 9.15% quarter on quarter.
• What caused the change in Sodium Nitrite Price in July 2025? In July we saw an increase in Sodium Nitrite Price driven by post-holiday re-stock events and confirmed production shutdowns for maintenance on the manufacturing side, which limited near-term supply availability.
• China led regional firmness, driven by rising demand in food preservation, dyes, and pharmaceutical intermediates.
• Factory output was mostly stable by May–June, but port congestion and shipping delays at Qingdao disrupted some bulk export flows.
• Southeast Asia and India showed heightened demand, pushing export allocations higher and supporting price gains.
• The Sodium Nitrite Spot Price rallied mid-June as bulk orders spiked and regional traders-built inventory buffers.
• Feedstock cost trends, particularly for nitric acid, were modestly volatile, though no major disruptions occurred.
• The Sodium Nitrite Demand Outlook remains positive in Q3, with growing pull from ASEAN and Middle East buyers.
• The Sodium Nitrite Price Forecast indicates continued firmness, supported by high operating rates and export competitiveness.
Europe (Germany)
• The Sodium Nitrite Price Index in Europe ended Q2 with prices seeing mild but steady gains through the quarter.
• Why did the price of Sodium Nitrite change in July 2025? Prices in July remained stable, supported by adequate inventory levels and steady consumption from downstream sectors such as meat curing and pharmaceuticals.
• Germany and Poland faced domestic supply tightness, while the Netherlands saw temporary restocking delays.
• High energy input costs, especially for natural gas, pressured margins and contributed to a firm pricing stance.
• Demand Outlook in Europe was shaped by strong seasonal meat processing and consistent usage in water treatment sectors.
• The Sodium Nitrite Spot Price stayed firm amid cautious procurement and stable end-use activity.
• Compared to Q1 2025, Q2 closed with a quarter-over-quarter increase of ~2.3%, mainly driven by input cost pressures.
• Despite cost inflation, no major disruptions in production were reported, and operational stability was maintained.
• The Sodium Nitrite Price Forecast for Q3 signals a moderate bullish trend, driven by high production costs and consistent food-sector pull.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
During Q1 2025, the North American sodium nitrite market maintained a stable to slightly bearish price trend, shaped by consistent supply levels and moderate demand. Prices remained largely steady through the quarter, influenced by lower feedstock costs—particularly for nitric acid and natural gas—which helped reduce overall production costs. Producers maintained adequate output, resulting in sufficient inventory levels across the region.
Demand from the food and beverage sector, especially in meat preservation, remained steady but showed no significant growth. Meanwhile, consumption from the pharmaceutical and industrial sectors was moderate, reflecting cautious procurement amid broader economic uncertainties. Inflationary pressures and budget-conscious purchasing behavior limited market momentum, while supply chains remained largely undisrupted despite occasional weather-related logistical challenges.
Compared to Q4 2024, which saw a modest year-end price rebound driven by holiday restocking, Q1 reflected more neutral market sentiment in the absence of seasonal demand surges. Overall, the sodium nitrite market in North America was marked by price stability, subdued demand growth, and resilient supply fundamentals, projecting a steady outlook for the next quarter.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Sodium Nitrite prices in China exhibited a stable to bearish trend, influenced by steady demand and shifting upstream cost dynamics. Prices began at USD 393/MT in January, peaked in mid-February, and gradually declined by March-end. While demand from the food preservation, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors remained consistent, falling upstream nitric acid prices eroded cost support, especially in March. Despite ongoing government stimulus and cautious economic recovery, subdued export demand and deflationary pressures kept market fundamentals balanced to weak.
Compared to Q4 2024, where prices remained mostly stable with slight bullishness due to pre-festive restocking and improved FMCG activity, Q1 2025 reflected milder demand momentum post-Lunar New Year. The quarter started strong but was weighed down by declining feedstock costs and persistent pressure on producer margins. Unlike Q4's end-of-year uptick, Q1 concluded on a softer note as cost-driven reductions outweighed resilient domestic consumption.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the European sodium nitrite market exhibited a stable to slightly bullish price trend, building upon the momentum from Q4 2024. The quarter commenced with steady pricing, supported by consistent demand from the food preservation sector, particularly in processed meats. Germany, as Europe's leading pork producer, continued to drive substantial consumption of sodium nitrite in meat processing applications.
Throughout January and February, demand remained robust, bolstered by post-holiday restocking and sustained consumer interest in convenience foods. However, supply-side pressures emerged due to elevated energy costs and persistent geopolitical tensions, which impacted the availability of upstream chemicals and increased production expenses. These factors contributed to moderate price increases during this period.
In March, the market experienced a slight ease in prices as feedstock costs stabilized and supply chains adjusted to earlier disruptions. Nonetheless, demand from the food and pharmaceutical sectors remained strong, preventing significant price declines. The European sodium nitrite market's resilience was further supported by ongoing economic recovery efforts and steady industrial activity across the region.
Compared to Q4 2024, where prices rose due to heightened holiday demand and supply constraints, Q1 2025 maintained this upward trajectory, albeit at a moderated pace. The market's stability was underpinned by consistent demand and adaptive supply chain strategies, suggesting a cautiously optimistic outlook for the subsequent quarter.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
In North America, the sodium nitrite market displayed a stable to slightly bearish price trend during Q4 2024, driven by seasonal demand patterns and fluctuating economic conditions. The month of October began with steady prices as demand from the downstream food and beverage sector remained consistent, supported by holiday-related production in the lead-up to Thanksgiving.
However, broader economic challenges, including rising inflation and higher production costs, exerted downward pressure on producer margins, which impacted the sodium nitrite market as well. As November progressed, demand from industrial sectors, such as preservatives and specialty chemicals, moderated due to year-end budget constraints and inventory optimization efforts by buyers.
These factors contributed to a marginal decline in prices during mid-quarter. Towards the end of November and into December, colder weather in key agricultural regions reduced raw material availability, slightly impacting supply. However, increased restocking activity in preparation for the holiday season and early winter production schedules drove a modest price rebound in late December.
APAC
The sodium nitrite market in the APAC region exhibited a stable to slightly bullish price trend during Q4 2024, driven by balanced market fundamentals and varying demand dynamics. The quarter began with stable prices in October, supported by consistent demand from the downstream food and beverage sector. Increased consumer inquiries and higher consumption for food preservation bolstered market activity, while steady inventory levels ensured supply adequacy. Despite subdued international inquiries due to limited material availability and reduced procurement rates, domestic demand remained robust. By mid-quarter, sodium nitrite prices experienced a marginal decline, influenced by weak domestic consumption and broader economic deflationary pressures in China. The FMCG sector's gradual recovery contributed positively to the demand outlook, albeit unevenly across categories. As November progressed, market stability returned, and prices increased towards month-end due to upward adjustments in seller quotations amidst steady industrial activity. In December, anticipation of the Chinese New Year and restocking efforts drove price increase in the last week, reflecting heightened demand and preparation for increased production activity.
Europe
In Europe, the sodium nitrite market experienced a steady price trend during Q4 2024, underpinned by improved demand from the food preservation sectors. The quarter began with stable prices in October, as manufacturers maintained adequate production levels to meet consistent demand from downstream industries. A rising emphasis on food preservation due to increased holiday-related consumption drove demand throughout November, while tightening inventory levels from supply chain disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions added upward pressure on prices. By mid-November, colder temperatures across the region contributed to supply constraints, as energy prices surged, affecting production costs for upstream chemicals. This resulted in a price increase in late November. In December, heightened demand for sodium nitrite in food preservation and processing, combined with year-end restocking activities, drove another round of price hikes, culminating in an overall quarterly increase. Despite challenges such as rising energy costs and regional economic slowdowns, the sodium nitrite market in Europe maintained its momentum, supported by steady consumer demand and robust industrial activity, projecting a firm outlook into early 2025.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In the third quarter of this year, the sodium nitrite market in North America exhibited a mixed trend, with prices experiencing fluctuations throughout the period. In the early weeks of the quarter, sodium nitrite prices remained relatively stable. The prices were influenced by easing tensions in the Middle East, which contributed to a steady pricing environment for sodium nitrite.
However, low demand in downstream sectors, particularly within the food preservation and agrochemical industries, also helped maintain price stability during this period. However, in the last two months, sodium nitrite prices saw significant volatility, driven by supply challenges, weak industrial output, and cautious consumer behavior. Disruptions, such as plant shutdowns and logistical issues, further exacerbated the situation.
Rising geopolitical tensions and tighter supply, exerted increased cost pressure, pushing sodium nitrite prices upward. Domestic inventories of sodium nitrite remained low, prompting higher purchases to meet immediate demand. Additionally, the recent US economic activity appears robust, suggesting that the recession fears that emerged over the summer may have been exaggerated.
APAC
In Q3 2024, the Sodium Nitrite market in the APAC region witnessed a significant downturn, with prices experiencing a notable decline. This decrease can be attributed to various key factors influencing market dynamics. We observed a substantial -25% decrease in prices compared to the same quarter last year, indicating a significant shift in pricing trends. Moreover, the quarter-on-quarter decline of -7% further underscores the challenging environment for Sodium Nitrite pricing. Notably, within Q3 2024, there was a pronounced -10% decrease in prices between the first and second halves of the quarter, reflecting ongoing downward pressure on market values. China, in particular, saw the most significant fluctuations in Sodium Nitrite prices during this period. The market experienced notable price changes, with a consistent downward trend throughout the quarter. Seasonal variations, coupled with weakening demand and excess inventory levels, contributed to the overall negative sentiment in pricing. The latest quarter-ending price for Sodium Nitrite in China stood at USD 363/MT - EXW Qingdao, reflecting the prevailing downward pricing environment in the region.
Europe
In the third quarter of 2024, the Sodium Nitrite market in Europe noted mixed trends. In Q3 2024, the end-use FMCG sector experienced a challenging environment as consumers increasingly prioritized cost savings and sought more affordable options in the European region. Consumers continued to trade down and were mainly focusing on need-on-basis procurement. As a result, the revenue growth was also impacted as noted by most of the FMCG players. Consumers of Sodium Nitrite were mostly focusing on volume recovery as a primary driver for revenue, moving away from reliance on price increases. During this quarter, the freight charges also declined by considerable margins, which also led to imports of low-priced goods from the Asian markets. Overall, the underperformance in the major economies in Europe, particularly Germany had a major impact on the Sodium Nitrite market. Though towards the end of the quarter, few recoveries in the trade and economic activities of European nations were noted, however, it still could not provide adequate support to the Sodium Nitrite prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the current price of Sodium Nitrite in China (FOB Qingdao)?
As of the end of Q2 2025, the Sodium Nitrite price in China stood at USD 375/MT FOB Qingdao, following moderate upward movement in June due to post-maintenance restocking and export demand.
2. Who are the top Sodium Nitrite producers in the United States?
Leading Sodium Nitrite producers in the U.S. include BASF Corporation, General Chemical and Supply, and OxyChem, supplying food, pharmaceutical, and industrial-grade markets.
3. What sectors are driving demand for Sodium Nitrite in Europe?
Sodium Nitrite demand in Europe is mainly driven by the processed meat industry, pharmaceutical synthesis, and water treatment. Seasonal consumption in Q2 stayed consistent across Western Europe.
4. What is the forecast for Sodium Nitrite prices in Q3 2025?
Sodium Nitrite prices are expected to remain largely stable in Q3, with mild upside potential in APAC and Europe depending on feedstock cost movements and downstream seasonal demand in food preservation.
