Sodium bisulfite prices rose substantially in Chinese and American markets in March 2025, influenced by several supply-side tensions and firm demand. Analysts within the industry foresee the reversal of this trend in April, as prices are expected to soften in both markets.

The Chinese sodium bisulfite market saw sharp price rises across March, largely due to increased production expenses and increased demand from major industrial applications. Raw material volatility, especially for sulfur dioxide—a vital raw material used in the production of sodium bisulfite—compelled manufacturers to pass on costs to consumers.

At the same time, China's sulfuric acid market exhibited bullish behavior amid the drop in feedstock sulfur prices. Participants were actively stocking up in anticipation of China's spring application season, supporting sodium bisulfite's upward price momentum.

Ex-factory prices for sodium bisulfite rose consistently during March as demand kept exceeding available supply. The growing spread between sulfur and sulfuric acid further asserted the bullish attitude of the market.

The post-Lunar New Year period witnessed Chinese sodium bisulfite production activities gather momentum considerably to cope with piling order backlogs. Still, low levels of inventory levels did not meet the spurt in demand, exerting further upward pressure on prices. Sodium bisulfite buying continued robust in water treatment plants, paper mills, and food preservation businesses.

Logistical difficulties added to these problems, as transportation delays and higher freight rates continued to limit the free flow of sodium bisulfite to customers. Fluctuations in energy costs and inefficiencies in operations further hampered levels of production, providing a tight market that favored price hikes.

The American market for importation of sodium bisulfite followed the Chinese trend with prices increasing gradually in March. U.S. customers experienced difficulty procuring enough supplies of sodium bisulfite since Chinese volumes of exports continued to be curbed. This lack of supplies pushed aggressive buying behavior, where American customers would pay higher rates for securing enough stocks of sodium bisulfite.

The sodium bisulfite industry has been especially tough for American importers as low availability from major sodium bisulfite suppliers in China compelled to settle for higher pricing to ensure business continuity.

In contrast to Asia-Europe shipping routes that witnessed declining freight fees, trans-Pac shipping fees were still high, which further raised the cost of delivered sodium bisulfite to U.S. buyers.

However, market analysts anticipate sodium bisulfite prices will begin decreasing in April 2025 across both Chinese and U.S. markets. This expected reprieve comes as production capacity catches up with demand and logistical bottlenecks ease. Sodium bisulfite manufacturers are projected to increase output while transportation networks stabilize, improving product availability.

Market players ought to keep an eye on sodium bisulfite price trends as April unfolds to confirm this expected correction. Meanwhile, industrial customers of sodium bisulfite are still coping with high costs while waiting for the expected price relief.