Menu
Menu
China
India
Indonesia
Philippines
Vietnam
ArgentinaSodium Silicate prices declined by 2.24% in Q1 2025, settling at USD 436/MT, continuing the downward trend in the new year. The extended Lunar New Year holidays and financial year-end considerations led to slower procurement from both domestic and international buyers. Additionally, the absence of significant disruptions in raw material supply allowed producers to maintain output, adding further pressure to already elevated inventory levels. With demand still recovering gradually and buyers remaining cautious, the market continued to exhibit weak fundamentals through the first quarter.
The market witnessed a sharper correction in Q4 2024, with prices dropping by 8.04% to USD 446/MT. This steep decline was largely attributed to seasonal weakness, with industrial output slowing down ahead of the year-end holidays. Downstream sectors such as paper manufacturing and ceramics saw reduced production runs, contributing to lower offtake. Moreover, feedstock costs softened amid declining soda ash values, reducing overall production expenses and prompting sellers to adjust prices downward. High domestic inventories and tepid export demand further compounded the bearish sentiment across the market.
Prices declined further by 3.96% in Q3 2024, falling to USD 485/MT, driven by weak market fundamentals. Despite the seasonally strong period for construction and insulation materials, actual demand lagged expectations due to reduced infrastructure investments and a slowdown in real estate development. Additionally, oversupply concerns persisted, with several manufacturers operating at high capacities to maintain cash flow, further intensifying competition. Export inquiries remained limited, and international buyers continued to source from alternative low-cost regions, diminishing China’s pricing power in the global market.
In Q2 2024, Sodium Silicate prices dipped marginally by 0.98%, reaching USD 505/MT. The market attempted to stabilize following Q1’s sharp drop, as demand slowly recovered across the adhesives, textile processing, and construction industries. However, high inventory levels and competitive pricing from smaller regional producers kept the market under pressure. While feedstock prices remained relatively flat, producers refrained from raising offers significantly, as buyers were still exercising caution amid a fragile recovery. As a result, pricing remained subdued with limited volatility throughout the quarter.
Prices declined by 6.42% in Q1 2024, settling at USD 510/MT, amid sluggish post-holiday recovery in downstream sectors. The Chinese New Year holidays led to reduced industrial operations, while several construction and detergent manufacturers delayed purchases, waiting for prices to bottom out. Moreover, abundant domestic supply combined with declining raw material costs—particularly for soda ash and sand—reinforced a bearish outlook in the market. Export activity also softened during this period due to shipping delays and weak international demand, reinforcing downward pressure on prices.
Prices saw a marginal dip of 1.12%, reaching USD 265/MT in Q1 2025. The decline was primarily due to a slow start to the year, with extended plant maintenance shutdowns and holiday-related lulls across the industrial landscape. Weaker-than-expected demand from both domestic and export markets added further pressure. Additionally, a slight drop in soda ash prices and easing of freight rates allowed producers to lower their offers. As a result, the quarter concluded with a subdued market tone and limited upward momentum.
In Q4 2024, prices inched up slightly by 0.37% to USD 268/MT. This minimal increase was driven by modest restocking activity and seasonal demand from the adhesives and packaging sectors ahead of the year-end. Feedstock costs remained flat, but slight improvements in export sentiment provided mild support to FOB values. However, the overall price environment remained soft, as manufacturers prioritized volume over margins amid cautious downstream buying and international competition.
Sodium Silicate prices remained unchanged at USD 267/MT in Q3 2024, reflecting a balance between stable downstream demand and ample supply. The market found some support from consistent orders in construction chemicals and textiles, but overall price movements were muted. Most manufacturers operated at regular production levels, and inventories were well-managed. On the export front, no major disruptions or incentives shifted the pricing dynamics, leading to a relatively stagnant quarter from a pricing standpoint.
In Q2 2024, prices saw a marginal decline of 1.11%, settling at USD 267/MT. The market experienced a modest recovery in demand from the construction and detergent sectors; however, competition among local producers and excess supply capped any significant price increase. Despite improved weather conditions supporting infrastructure activity, exporters faced pricing pressure due to increased freight costs and competitive offers from other regions, keeping FOB prices subdued. The quarter ended with cautious optimism, though oversupply concerns persisted.
Prices of Sodium Silicate(lumps) corrected by 5.92%, falling to USD 270/MT in Q1 2024, primarily due to lower post-holiday industrial activity and subdued export demand. The slowdown was also influenced by extended Holi-related shutdowns and weak off-take from packaging and adhesive industries. Additionally, falling input costs, especially for soda ash, allowed producers to offer more competitive rates to encourage buying. The sentiment remained bearish overall, with buyers delaying procurement in anticipation of further softening in prices.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global sodium silicate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the sodium silicate 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 silicate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely sodium silicate market data.
Track PriceWatch's sodium silicate 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.
These events underscore the Sodium Silicate market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Sodium Silicate 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 silicate, commonly known as water glass, is an inorganic compound made from sodium oxide and silica. It is typically produced by reacting silica sand with sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide at high temperatures.
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.
Sodium Silicate-glass:
| Property | Specification |
| Ratio (Sio2: Na2O) | 1:2.10 |
| Total Alkali (as Na2o) | 32.10% |
| Total Soluble Silica (as Sio2) | 67.41% |
| Total Soluble (Silicate %) | 99.51% |
| Iron Content (ppm Max) | 45 ppm |
| Matter insoluble in water content | 0.31% |
Sodium Silicate-powder:
| Property | Specification |
| Ratio of Na2O: SiO2 | 1:2.85 + 0.1% |
| Total Alkali (as Na2o) | 25.00% + 0.5% |
| Total Soluble Silica (as Sio2) | 71.40 % + 0.5 % |
| Total Active Content | 96.40% |
| Moisture | 5% to 6% |
| PH of 10% W/V Solution | 11 to 12 |
Applications
Sodium silicate, commonly known as water glass, has a wide range of applications across various industries. It is utilized in the production of detergents, ceramics, and adhesives, acting as a binding agent. In construction, it serves as a concrete sealant and hardener. Additionally, sodium silicate is used in water treatment processes to remove impurities and in the manufacture of silica gel for moisture control. Its versatility also extends to the automotive and paper industries, where it plays a role in manufacturing and preservation.
Energy costs play a significant role in the pricing of sodium silicate since its production involves high-temperature processes, such as melting raw materials like silica and soda ash in furnaces. Fluctuations in electricity and fuel prices can directly influence the cost of manufacturing sodium silicate, leading to price variations. As energy costs increase, manufacturers may pass these costs onto buyers, raising the overall price of sodium silicate. Monitoring global energy trends is essential for procurement heads to anticipate potential price changes and plan accordingly.
Sodium silicate prices are heavily influenced by demand from key industries such as construction, paper and pulp, detergents, and water treatment. During periods of strong demand, such as during construction booms or increased manufacturing activities, sodium silicate prices can rise due to heightened competition for available supply. Conversely, a downturn in these industries may lead to lower prices as supply outstrips demand. Procurement heads should track trends in these sectors to better predict pricing movements and adjust their sourcing strategies.
Long-term price trends for sodium silicate are shaped by several factors, including raw material availability, energy prices, environmental regulations, and advances in production technologies. Sustainable practices and the shift toward greener manufacturing processes may increase production costs in the short term but contribute to more stable pricing over time. To mitigate pricing volatility, procurement teams can negotiate long-term contracts with suppliers, diversify sourcing from multiple regions, and explore partnerships with producers investing in energy-efficient and sustainable production methods.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. Nidhyana Price Watch Data Analytics Private Limited