Sodium lignosulphonate prices witnessed a fluctuating trend in February 2025 across the key global markets. Supply demand dynamics and the changes in the feedstock costs mainly shaped the prices for the Sodium Lignosulphonate.

Across the US market, Sodium Lignosulphonate prices showed a bullish price trend overall during the month, however, certain weeks witnessed no significant changes in the prices. During the early part of the month, the market remained stable, supported by the enough domestic inventory and the stable production costs. The stable price trend of the feedstock helped to maintain the price trend mainly. Demand from the downstream market, particularly the construction sector, remained steady despite inflation and the regional imbalances.

However, later in the month, prices for the Sodium Lignosulphonate inched up, supported by the rise in export orders and slightly tight domestic inventories. This led to raise the prices by 1.1% in the domestic market. Despite this improvement, demand for the sodium lignosulphonate remained sluggish from downstream due to the weakness in the construction sector. In January 2025, US news home sales dropped by 10.5%, and inventories rose significantly compared to the previous year. Sales further declined in most regions, making the downstream market cautious.

In the Asian-Pacific region, prices for the sodium lignosulphonate remained stable till the mid of the month, supported by the balanced supply demand conditions. Ample inventory levels and the stable production costs helped the manufacturers to hold the price stable. However, manufacturing output moderates ahead of the Lunar New Year festivals, and logistics operations remained largely efficient.

Sodium Lignosulphonate demand remained stable during the period from the downstream construction sector but did not show any significant growth, coupled with the struggling construction sector and decline in property sales. Construction sector of China met challenges in January 2025, due to weaker manufacturing activity ahead of the CNY holiday season and the sluggish property demand. Central China Real Estate Limited revealed that the contract property sales declined in January by 18.7% year-on-year basis. Additionally, external risks including potential tariff on Chinese exports, contributed to the economic uncertainty.

However, in late February 2025, prices for the Sodium Lignosulphonate rose, notably by 1.75%, supported by the higher production costs. Prices for the crucial feedstock, caustic soda, appreciated by 1.8% while the prices for the feedstock wood pulp remained fluctuating within the narrow ranges. The rising production costs further compelled the manufacturers to alter the prices, resulting in a significant market shift.

In the Middle Eastern market, prices for the Sodium Lignosulphonate held a steady price trend till the mid of the month, driven by the steady offtake from the domestic downstream sector. However, the supply for the Sodium Lignosulphonate remained slightly tight due to fewer overseas shipments. Despite this, the local marketers successfully maintained the inventory levels to meet the domestic demand.