India
China
Russia
BelgiumIn Q1 2025, STPP FOB Shanghai prices declined by approximately 2%, ending the quarter at USD 880 per ton by the end of March. The price softening was attributed to continued weak demand from key export markets and subdued buying interest in the detergent and ceramic industries. While raw material costs remained relatively stable, oversupply from domestic producers and limited restocking activity weighed prices. Market participants maintained a cautious outlook, with minimal signs of a strong recovery in the near term.
According to PriceWatch, the STPP FOB Shanghai price trend in Q2 2025 showed a consistent and steady upward movement from April through June, reflecting improving market fundamentals and stronger demand. The price index tracked this positive momentum closely, rising steadily throughout the quarter as key end-use industries such as detergents and ceramics increased their procurement amid seasonal restocking.
Supply-side factors, including logistical constraints faced by Chinese producers and slightly tighter export allocations, contributed to firmer pricing. Raw material costs remained relatively stable but edged slightly higher, supporting the price index without causing significant margin pressure.
Buyer activity picked up as market participants responded to more balanced supply-demand dynamics and growing optimism about market conditions. By the end of June, the FOB Shanghai price for STPP reached 880 USD per ton, marking a significant gain from the start of the quarter and signalling a cautiously optimistic outlook for the months ahead.
The steady rise in the price index indicated that the market was gradually recovering from previous softness, despite ongoing uncertainties in global trade and raw material availability. Overall, the Q2 2025 price trend suggested a positive shift in market sentiment and improved confidence among both suppliers and buyers.
In Q1 2024, Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) FOB Shanghai prices declined by approximately 8%, primarily due to sluggish global demand from key end-use sectors like detergents and ceramics, alongside lower input costs such as phosphoric acid.
Chinese producers maintained ample supply levels, but export activity remained subdued, leading to increased competition and downward pricing pressure. Market participants largely adopted a wait-and-see approach, anticipating potential further declines and contributing to weak transactional activity throughout the quarter.
In Q2 2024, STPP FOB Shanghai prices remained largely stable. The market found a temporary equilibrium as raw material costs leveled off and demand from key sectors, particularly detergents, showed modest improvement. Export activity picked up slightly, supported by stable output from Chinese manufacturers and cautious optimism among buyers. While no significant upward momentum emerged, the stabilization reflected a more balanced supply-demand dynamic compared to the previous quarter.
In Q3 2024, STPP FOB Shanghai prices recorded a modest quarterly increase of around 2%, marking a shift from the stability seen in Q2. This uptick was supported by slightly firmer demand from overseas detergent and ceramic manufacturers, coupled with marginal increases in raw material costs, particularly phosphoric acid. Chinese producers maintained steady production rates, but tighter inventory levels and improved export inquiries contributed to a mild upward pricing trend. Overall, the market sentiment turned cautiously optimistic as fundamentals showed gradual improvement.
In Q4 2024, STPP FOB Shanghai prices declined by approximately 3%, reversing the modest gains seen in the previous quarter. The decrease was driven by softening demand from international markets, particularly in the detergent and ceramic sectors, as year-end buying activity slowed. Additionally, a slight dip in raw material prices and persistent supply availability from Chinese producers exerted downward pressure on the market. Despite stable production, buyers remained cautious, leading to reduced transactional volumes and a bearish tone heading into the new year.
In Q1 2025, STPP CIF Nhava Sheva prices declined by approximately 2%, ending the quarter at 80,000 INR per ton by the end of March. The price drop was driven by subdued demand from the detergent and ceramics sectors, coupled with ample supply from exporters keeping pressure on the market.
Despite relatively stable raw material costs, cautious buying behaviour and slower restocking activity contributed to the downward trend, reflecting a cautious market outlook heading into the new year.
According to PriceWatch, the STPP CIF Nhava Sheva price trend in Q2 2025 demonstrated a steady and sustained upward movement, reflecting improving market fundamentals and growing buyer confidence. Throughout the quarter, demand from key Indian end-use sectors such as detergents and ceramics gradually strengthened, driven by increased industrial activity and seasonal restocking ahead of the monsoon period.
This rising demand coincided with a modest tightening of supply, particularly from major exporters like China, where logistical challenges and slightly reduced export volumes contributed to firmer price levels. Stable raw material costs including phosphoric acid and soda ash along with easing freight rates, helped support price gains without significantly pressuring margins.
As a result, importers and domestic buyers grew more active in replenishing inventories that had remained cautious earlier in the year, contributing to a gradual but consistent increase in the price index throughout the quarter. By the end of June, STPP prices at CIF Nhava Sheva rose to 82,500 INR per ton, marking a significant rise that underscored a cautiously optimistic market sentiment.
While global trade uncertainties and potential supply chain disruptions remained factors to watch, the price movement during Q2 2025 indicated a recovering market with balanced supply-demand dynamics and improved visibility for near-term prospects.
In Q1 2024, STPP CIF Nhava Sheva prices declined by approximately 8%, driven by weak demand from the Indian detergent and ceramics sectors, along with competitive pricing pressure from Chinese exporters. The drop mirrored global trends, as excess supply and falling raw material costs particularly phosphoric acid pushed prices downward. Buyers in India adopted a conservative purchasing approach, anticipating further price softening, which led to reduced import volumes and lower transactional activity throughout the quarter.
In Q2 2024, STPP CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by around 4%, rebounding slightly from the sharp decline in the previous quarter. The recovery was supported by improved demand from the Indian detergent and ceramic industries, as well as a slight tightening in supply due to reduced export allocations from some Chinese producers. Additionally, a modest uptick in raw material costs contributed to the price rise. Market sentiment turned cautiously positive, with buyers gradually resuming procurement to replenish inventories amid signs of price stabilization.
In Q3 2024, STPP CIF Nhava Sheva prices saw a slight decline of around 1.5%, reflecting a mild correction after the previous quarter’s rebound. The dip was primarily due to cautious buying behaviour amid adequate stock levels in the Indian market and stable supply from key exporters, particularly China. Although demand from the detergent and ceramic sectors remained steady, it was not strong enough to support further price increases. As a result, the market maintained a largely balanced tone with minor downward pressure on pricing.
In Q4 2024, STPP CIF Nhava Sheva prices increased by approximately 2%, supported by a slight improvement in demand from the detergent and ceramic industries ahead of the year-end procurement cycle. The uptick was also influenced by firmer export prices from China and marginally higher freight costs. While overall market fundamentals remained relatively stable, the moderate rise in buying activity and tightening of supply in some segments contributed to the price increase, signalling cautious optimism as the year closed.
Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Packaging Type
Sodium Tripolyphosphate 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.
| Property | Specification |
| Purity (Na5P3O10) by wt % | 94.0 % min |
| P2O5 by wt % | 56% min |
| PH value (1% solution) | 9.1~10.3 |
| Appearance | White Fine Powder |
| Iron as ‘Fe’ content % | 0.007 Max |
| Melting Point | 622°C |
Sodium Tripolyphosphate Applications
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is widely used across various industries due to its versatile properties. In detergents and cleaning products, it enhances cleaning efficiency by softening water and improving surfactant performance in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. In the food industry, it acts as a preservative, retaining moisture and improving texture in processed meats, seafood, and dairy products.
Furthermore, Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) plays a crucial role as a sequestrant in water treatment, effectively inhibiting scale buildup. In the textile industry, it acts as a dye fixative, ensuring vibrant colors are retained over time. Additionally, in ceramics, STPP functions as a dispersant, promoting even particle distribution for superior product quality.
It is also utilized in fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake, as an excipient in pharmaceuticals for stability, as an emulsifier in cosmetics for formulation stability, and in drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry to maintain effectiveness.
Russia-Ukraine Conflict (2022-Present): Disruptions in European crude oil production led to increased costs and global price volatility.
Israel-Hamas Conflict (2023): The recent escalation in the Israel-Hamas conflict has introduced additional uncertainty in Middle Eastern supply chains, potentially impacting global crude oil prices and, consequently, the pricing of STPP disruptions in this region can affect supply routes and increase volatility in markets worldwide.
COVID-19 Pandemic (2020): The Sodium Tripolyphosphate market faced significant disruptions in production and logistics due to widespread lockdowns. These challenges led to a notable increase in prices as demand surged for cleaning and personal care products, highlighting the industry’s rapid adaptation to evolving consumer priorities cantered on hygiene and sanitation.
Geopolitical Tensions (2018-2019): U.S.-China trade wars caused price instability due to disrupted supply chains. During particularly concerning trade tariffs on chemicals, had a profound impact on the Sodium Tripolyphosphate market.
These tariffs disrupted established supply chains and led to significant alterations in pricing structures, resulting in price fluctuations. This volatility highlighted the challenges faced by manufacturers as they navigated the complexities of a shifting global trade environment.
These events underscore the Sodium Tripolyphosphate market’s vulnerability to global disruptions and highlight the need for continuous monitoring of supply-demand dynamics.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global sodium tripolyphosphate price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the sodium tripolyphosphate 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 tripolyphosphate prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely sodium tripolyphosphate market data.
Track PriceWatch's sodium tripolyphosphate 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.
Real-Time Market Data: PriceWatch aggregates real-time pricing data from a diverse range of sources, including global commodity exchanges, industry reports, and proprietary databases. This ensures that our assessments reflect the most current market conditions.
On-the-Ground Intelligence: Our team gathers insights directly from key market participants, including producers, suppliers, traders, and end-users, across major Sodium Tripolyphosphate production hubs. This ground-level intelligence is crucial for understanding localized market dynamics.
Supply Chain Monitoring: We track the entire Sodium Tripolyphosphate supply chain, from raw material availability (e.g., sodium carbonate, caustic soda) to production and distribution channels. This includes monitoring feedstock prices, production capacities, and transportation logistics.
Geopolitical Tensions: PriceWatch continuously monitors global geopolitical developments, such as conflicts or trade disputes, which can significantly impact Sodium Tripolyphosphate prices. Our analysis includes potential disruptions to supply chains and their immediate and long-term effects on pricing.
Natural Disasters and Climate Events: We assess the impact of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or winter storms, on Sodium Tripolyphosphate production facilities, particularly in vulnerable regions like the U.S. Gulf Coast. These events are factored into our price forecasts and supply outlooks.
Economic Shifts: PriceWatch evaluates macroeconomic trends, including global economic growth, inflation rates, and sector-specific demand (e.g., detergents, ceramics, food industry), to predict shifts in Sodium Tripolyphosphate demand and corresponding price movements.
Current Production Monitoring: We maintain a comprehensive database of global Sodium Tripolyphosphate production facilities, tracking their operational status, maintenance schedules, and output levels. This allows us to assess current supply availability accurately.
Future Capacity Projections: Our research includes detailed forecasts of upcoming Sodium Tripolyphosphate production capacities, factoring in new plant constructions, expansions, and technological advancements. This helps in predicting future supply trends and potential price stabilization.
Sectoral Demand Analysis: PriceWatch provides in-depth analysis of demand trends across key sectors, detergents, ceramics and construction. We track year-on-year demand growth and project future consumption patterns based on economic indicators and industry developments.
Global Demand Dynamics: Our methodology considers regional demand variations and how they influence global Sodium Tripolyphosphate pricing. This includes understanding the impact of shifts in manufacturing bases, trade policies, and environmental regulations.
Dynamic Pricing Models: PriceWatch utilizes advanced econometric models to forecast Sodium Tripolyphosphate prices, incorporating real-time data, historical trends, and projected market conditions. Our models are continuously refined to enhance accuracy and predictive power.
Scenario Analysis: We conduct scenario-based assessments to evaluate potential future market conditions. This encompasses the best-case, worst-case, and most likely scenarios, allowing our clients to be well-prepared for various market developments.
Comprehensive Reports: Our clients receive detailed reports that include current price assessments, future price forecasts, and in-depth analysis of market drivers. These reports are designed to be actionable, providing clear insights and recommendations.
Ongoing Support: PriceWatch offers continuous updates and personalized support to our clients, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information to make informed decisions. Our experts are available to discuss specific market developments and provide tailored advice.
This research methodology ensures that PriceWatch delivers the most accurate, timely, and actionable Sodium Tripolyphosphate 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
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.
| Property | Specification |
| Purity (Na5P3O10) by wt % | 94.0 % min |
| P2O5 by wt % | 56% min |
| PH value (1% solution) | 9.1~10.3 |
| Appearance | White Fine Powder |
| Iron as ‘Fe’ content % | 0.007 Max |
| Melting Point | 622°C |
Applications
Sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is widely used across various industries due to its versatile properties. In detergents and cleaning products, it enhances cleaning efficiency by softening water and improving surfactant performance in laundry detergents and dishwashing liquids. In the food industry, it acts as a preservative, retaining moisture and improving texture in processed meats, seafood, and dairy products.
Furthermore, Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) plays a crucial role as a sequestrant in water treatment, effectively inhibiting scale buildup. In the textile industry, it acts as a dye fixative, ensuring vibrant colors are retained over time. Additionally, in ceramics, STPP functions as a dispersant, promoting even particle distribution for superior product quality.
It is also utilized in fertilizers to enhance nutrient uptake, as an excipient in pharmaceuticals for stability, as an emulsifier in cosmetics for formulation stability, and in drilling fluids in the oil and gas industry to maintain effectiveness.
The pricing of Sodium Tripolyphosphate (STPP) is influenced by several interconnected factors. Fluctuations in raw material costs, particularly for phosphate rock and phosphoric acid, directly affect production expenses. Additionally, supply and demand dynamics contribute to price volatility; heightened demand in sectors like water treatment, detergents, and food processing can drive prices up.
The operational capacity of manufacturing facilities is also critical, as shutdowns or reduced output may lead to supply constraints. Market competition and the presence of alternative suppliers further impact pricing strategies. Transportation and logistics play a significant role, with changes in freight costs affecting final prices, especially in import-dependent regions.
Broader economic conditions, including inflation, currency fluctuations, and geopolitical stability, can influence pricing as well. Moreover, compliance with environmental regulations can alter production costs, while seasonal demand fluctuations, particularly in agriculture and water treatment, add another layer of complexity to the pricing landscape.
The price of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) is influenced by several key factors, including raw material costs (such as phosphoric acid and sodium carbonate), production capacity, supply chain dynamics, and global demand trends. Additionally, regulatory changes affecting phosphate use in detergents and food products can impact pricing. Understanding these factors will help procurement heads make informed purchasing decisions.
To effectively forecast pricing trends for sodium tripolyphosphate, procurement heads should monitor market reports, track fluctuations in raw material costs, and analyze demand patterns across key industries such as detergents, food processing, and water treatment. Additionally, staying informed about geopolitical events and regulatory changes can provide insights into potential price movements, allowing for better budgeting and procurement strategies.