For the Quarter Ending September 2025
Europe
• In Germany, Sodium Nitrite production faced temporary slowdowns due to scheduled plant maintenance and logistics constraints.
• Sodium Nitrite supply was impacted by limited feedstock availability, especially nitric acid imports from neighboring regions.
• Spot availability fluctuated as high operating rates coincided with variable downstream procurement.
• Short-term outlook is influenced by seasonal restocking and industrial demand shifts across chemical and textile sectors.
• Production cost pressures eased slightly as energy costs moderated, though raw material sourcing remained a challenge.
• Demand from export-oriented industries remained stable but cautious, reflecting macroeconomic uncertainties.
• Inventory accumulation in key depots exerted pressure on distribution timelines and tactical dispatching.
• Producers maintained operational continuity while regional logistics disruptions and weather events delayed liftings.
Why did Sodium Nitrite activity change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Scheduled maintenance and constrained feedstock limited near-term production capacity.
• Weather and transportation bottlenecks disrupted shipments, affecting supply timelines.
• Shifts in downstream procurement and stockpiling strategies influenced inventory turnover.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Nitrite Price Index rose by 4.28% quarter-over-quarter, driven by constrained production, exports.
• The average Sodium Nitrite price for the quarter was approximately USD 373.33/MT, FOB Qingdao reference indicator.
• Sodium Nitrite Spot Price weakened amid ample feedstock supply and high operating rates pressuring depot inventories.
• Sodium Nitrite Price Forecast anticipates mild volatility, with port congestion and seasonal restocking dictating short-term movements.
• Sodium Nitrite Production Cost Trend was subdued as nitric acid and energy costs eased, constraining margins.
• Sodium Nitrite Demand Outlook is muted as seasonal domestic procurement softens despite export interest from buyers.
• Sodium Nitrite Price Index deterioration reflected inventory accumulation, weaker industrial pull, tactical seller discounting stock.
• Producers maintained high operating rates while port congestion and weather disrupted liftings, tightening short-term FOB availability.
Why did the price of Sodium Nitrite change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Constrained domestic production and scheduled maintenance reduced near-term output, tightening local availability and lifting Q3.
• Port congestion and weather-related delays disrupted shipments, shortening supply windows and supporting FOB price resilience.
• Ample feedstock and moderated downstream procurement increased inventories, exerting downward pressure on spot markets September.
USA
• In the US, Sodium Nitrite production experienced minor slowdowns due to plant turnarounds and maintenance schedules.
• Feedstock supply variability, particularly nitric acid and ammonia, affected production planning and depot replenishment.
• Spot distribution was influenced by high operating rates at key plants and fluctuating industrial consumption.
• Short-term outlook depends on regional demand from water treatment, chemical manufacturing, and mining sectors.
• Production costs saw limited change as energy prices stabilized, though logistics and raw material access created operational challenges.
• Export interest remained steady, particularly from Latin American and European markets.
• Inventory levels varied across regional depots, impacting shipment scheduling and stock management.
• Producers maintained high operating rates, but weather events and port congestion caused short-term shipment delays.
Why did Sodium Nitrite activity change in September 2025 in the USA?
• Plant maintenance and feedstock constraints limited output in key regions.
• Transportation delays and regional congestion affected the timing of deliveries.
• Variations in downstream demand and strategic restocking influenced depot inventories.
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.