Menu
Menu
India
ChinaIn Q4 2024, sodium metabisulfite prices initially stabilized and dropped in the first half of the quarter. This drop was due to a seasonal slowdown in demand, particularly from the food and beverage sector, as consumption patterns adjusted after the peak demand period earlier in the year. Additionally, some suppliers adjusted their pricing to remain competitive, leading to price reductions. However, by the second half of Q4, prices began to improve slightly due to slightly improved trading conditions and a rebound in demand from key markets, particularly in water treatment and the pharmaceutical sector. The overall increase was moderate, and despite lingering global economic uncertainties, the market showed signs of a more stable outlook towards the end of the year. The gradual improvement was driven by the return of steady orders and some replenishment of inventory levels.
In Q3 2024, sodium metabisulfite prices saw a gradual increase throughout the quarter. This upward movement was primarily driven by steady demand from the water treatment industry, as municipalities and industrial sectors continued to require consistent supplies of sodium metabisulfite for dechlorination and other applications. Additionally, increased demand from the food and beverage industry for preservation purposes further supported price increases. Manufacturers began to experience slight supply constraints due to logistical challenges, such as shipping delays and raw material shortages, which pushed prices higher. As the quarter progressed, limited availability, coupled with increased production costs, kept upward pressure on prices, although the pace of the price rise was slow and steady throughout Q3. In August 2024, Sodium Metabisulfite prices in China were assessed at USD 260 per MT FOB Qingdao.
Sodium metabisulfite prices saw a recovery in the first half of Q2 2024, driven by a rebound in demand from key industries, especially water treatment and food processing, where sodium metabisulfite is used as a preservative and antioxidant. As production levels increased in these sectors, market participants responded with higher purchase volumes, pushing prices upwards. The recovery was also supported by tighter supply conditions, as production adjustments by key manufacturers occurred following the price drop in Q1. However, in the latter part of Q2, prices began to gradually decline. This drop was attributed to stabilizing demand after the initial recovery and an increase in inventory levels. Supply chains also normalized, leading to a decrease in pressure on prices, and ultimately, a softening by the end of the quarter.
In Q1 2024, sodium metabisulfite prices remained stable during the first half of the quarter. The stability in prices was primarily driven by steady demand from industries such as food preservation, water treatment, and textiles. These sectors maintained consistent consumption levels, supporting price stability. However, in the second half of Q1, sodium metabisulfite prices dropped due to several factors. A mild slowdown in demand from the food and beverage sector, along with increased production from major suppliers, contributed to oversupply in the market. This resulted in a price decline as suppliers adjusted to balance inventories. Additionally, lower raw material costs and reduced demand in some industries further pressed prices downward.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global sodium metabisulfite price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the sodium metabisulfite market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence sodium metabisulfite prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely sodium metabisulfite market data.
Track PriceWatch's sodium metabisulfite price assessment on a weekly basis since 2015 onwards, along with short-term forecasts, and get access to the detailed report in a downloadable format.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020–202)
The COVID-19 pandemic, which lasted from 2020 to 2021, caused significant disruptions in global supply chains, severely affecting the production and transportation of chemicals, including Sodium Metabisulfite. As lockdowns were imposed and industries temporarily shut down, industrial demand for Sodium Metabisulfite slowed considerably. At the same time, supply constraints arose due to labor shortages, factory closures, and restricted transportation networks, creating volatility in prices. In certain regions, prices surged due to logistics challenges and reduced availability, particularly during the peak of the pandemic. However, as economies gradually reopened and production capacities resumed in late 2021, the market began to stabilize, with prices returning to more normal levels as the supply chain adjusted to the post-pandemic environment.
Sulfur Price Surge due to Energy Crisis (2021–2022)
The sulfur price surge during the energy crisis of 2021–2022 lasted for around 12 months, driven by a sharp rise in energy prices, particularly natural gas and oil. As sulfur is a crucial raw material to produce Sodium Metabisulfite, the increased cost of energy led to a significant spike in sulfur prices, which in turn elevated the cost of producing the chemical. This price surge persisted throughout most of 2021 and into early 2022 as global energy markets faced ongoing volatility. However, as energy markets began to stabilize and alternative suppliers of sulfur emerged, the pressure on sulfur prices eased, leading to a gradual moderation in the overall cost of Sodium Metabisulfite production.
Ukraine-Russia Conflict (2022–Ongoing)
The Ukraine-Russia conflict, which began in early 2022 and is still ongoing, has had a significant impact on global energy supplies, particularly in Europe. The disruption in energy resources, such as natural gas and oil, has led to a surge in energy prices, which in turn has increased the production costs for various chemicals, including Sodium Metabisulfite. As a result, prices for Sodium Metabisulfite have risen due to higher raw material and energy input costs. The conflict continues to create instability in the energy market, causing sustained volatility in the pricing of Sodium Metabisulfite, as the chemical industry remains highly sensitive to energy supply disruptions.
This research methodology ensures that Price-Watch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Sodium Metabisulfite pricing assessments, helping our clients stay ahead of market trends and make informed business decisions.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Sodium metabisulfite (Na₂S₂O₅) is a versatile chemical compound widely used as a reducing agent, preservative, and disinfectant in industries such as water treatment, food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and textiles. It is typically produced by reacting sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide in a controlled process. Sodium metabisulfite appears as a white, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water. Its primary function includes acting as an antioxidant and a bleaching agent, often employed in the dechlorination of water, as well as in the preservation of dried fruits, wines, and other perishable goods. Major producers of sodium metabisulfite include companies such as BASF, Brenntag, and Solvay. The compound's applications also extend to the textile industry for dye reduction and cleaning purposes.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| Characteristics | Specifications |
| Appearance | White crystalline powder free from foreign particles |
| Assay as Sodium Metabisulphite | Min 96% |
| Solubility (10% Aq. Solution) | Clear Soln. |
| pH | 4.3-5.5 |
| Assay as SO2 | Min.64% |
Applications
Sodium Metabisulfite industrial grade is used in various industries. In the food and beverage industry, it acts as a preservative and antioxidant. In the textile industry, it serves as a bleaching agent and helps in dyeing. In water treatment, it dechlorinates water and wastewater. In mining, it assists in metal extraction by preventing oxidation. It is also used in photography to prevent chemical oxidation, in pharmaceuticals for purification, and in the paper industry for bleaching and decolorizing. Its versatility makes it essential in many industrial applications.
The price of Sodium Metabisulfite is influenced by several key factors, including the cost of raw materials such as sulfur, energy prices (natural gas and electricity), production and transportation costs, and fluctuations in supply and demand. Additionally, changes in environmental regulations, especially in major producing countries like China and India, can impact production capacities, leading to price volatility. Global economic conditions and trade policies, including tariffs and export-import restrictions, also play a role in pricing dynamics.
Supply chain disruptions, such as logistical delays, port congestion, or shortages of raw materials like sulfur, can significantly impact the pricing of Sodium Metabisulfite. These disruptions often lead to limited availability, which drives prices higher as demand remains consistent. Events such as natural disasters, political unrest, or pandemics like COVID-19 have historically caused such disruptions, resulting in price fluctuations due to constrained supply and increased transportation costs.
The expected price trend for Sodium Metabisulfite depends on several factors, including raw material costs, energy prices, and global demand across key industries such as food processing, water treatment, and textiles. As of now, prices are expected to stabilize following the post-pandemic recovery, but volatility may persist due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain challenges. Monitoring sulfur prices and regulatory changes in key producing regions can provide insights into future price movements.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited