For the Quarter Ending December 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 13.01% quarter-over-quarter, on cheaper Chinese feedstock.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1094.67/MT, per importers' reports.
• Ample imports and reduced freight pressured the Sodium Benzoate Spot Price, enabling competitive CFR offers.
• Inventory levels remained comfortable, supporting a muted Sodium Benzoate Price Index and limiting price spikes.
• Lower benzoic acid costs altered the Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend, transmitting savings to exporter margins.
• Outlook suggests steady end-use activity; the Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook anticipates measured restocking into Q1.
• Forecasts point to recovery; the Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast reflects seasonal procurement and export offers.
• Distributor selling pressure and cargo arrivals eased volatility across the Sodium Benzoate Price Index regionally.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in December 2025 in the USA?
• Cheaper Chinese benzoic acid reduced costs, increasing export offers and lowering landed CFR import parity.
• Reduced trans-Pacific container rates trimmed logistics surcharges, allowing importers to undercut domestic list prices competitively.
• Year-end subdued procurement and comfortable inventories limited spot buying, maintaining downward pressure on CFR values.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 12.08% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting sustained oversupply conditions.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 853.33/MT, and showed stability.
• Sodium Benzoate Spot Price showed steady weekly declines amid high inventories and cautious buyer behavior.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast anticipates a mild recovery as exporters firm offers and inventories slowly normalize.
• Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend stayed muted with benzoic acid and caustic inputs remaining soft.
• Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook remains subdued seasonally; the Price Index mirrors restrained offtake across sectors.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Index volatility eased as balanced export flows and normalized logistics reduced pressure.
• Producers operated at moderate utilization, limiting forced selling; port throughput normalization supported ongoing shipments abroad.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in December 2025 in APAC?
• Persistent domestic oversupply and distributor stock builds compressed seller leverage, driving weekly FOB offers lower.
• Soft downstream demand from the beverage and bakery sectors reduced offtake, extending the twelve-week bearish trend.
• Feedstock and energy costs were largely stable, limiting cost-push support while logistics normalization preserved shipments.
Europe
• In Germany, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 11.1% quarter-over-quarter, driven by Chinese feedstock.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1056.33/MT via Hamburg shipments.
• Chinese inflows pressured the Sodium Benzoate Spot Price while Hamburg logistics efficiency maintained steady inventory distribution.
• Near-term Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast indicates moderate gains as year-end restocking offsets abundant import availability.
• Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend shows elevated European expenses driven by high electricity and gas.
• Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook remained subdued with seasonal destocking in beverages, while pharmaceuticals sustained demand.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Index reflected supply-led declines despite broadly stable downstream consumption across German processors.
• Export flows and freight stability supported spot liquidity, tempering volatility and enabling measured price adjustments.
• Market participants expect disciplined procurement and limited speculative buying, keeping price shifts contained and orderly.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in December 2025 in Europe?
• Chinese low-cost cargoes increased import availability, pressuring local quotations and lowering landed cost parities significantly.
• High European electricity and natural gas constrained domestic production economics, reducing local competitiveness versus imports.
• Seasonal destocking by food and beverage blenders reduced spot inquiries, softening demand and pressuring prices.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
• In the USA, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imports.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1258.33/MT CFR New York.
• Sodium Benzoate Spot Price remained firm as frontloading and freight inflation constrained prompt supply availability.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast indicates modest upside near-term supported by tight supplies and steady procurement.
• Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend shows rising feedstock and freight inputs elevating landed manufacturing costs.
• Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook remains robust from food, pharmaceutical, and industrial sectors supporting steady offtake.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Index movements reflected inventory drawdowns and reduced Chinese exports tightening market balance.
• Major producer outages were limited, but port congestion and logistics bottlenecks elevated supply risk premia.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in September 2025 in North America?
• Supply constraints from reduced Chinese exports and frontloading lowered prompt availability, tightening market balance material.
• Higher feedstock and freight costs raised landed costs, contributing to upward pressure on domestic offers.
• Robust downstream demand from food and pharmaceuticals absorbed supply tightness, allowing suppliers to pass costs.
APAC
• In China, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 1.20% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2025, reflecting supply disruptions.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1070.67/MT on FOB Shanghai.
• Sodium Benzoate Spot Price strengthened as maintenance outages and export demand reduced available spot tonnage.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast indicates modest monthly increases driven by tight inventories and export flows.
• Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend shows rising feedstock and freight costs, compressing producer margins significantly.
• Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook remains firm as food, pharmaceutical and biofuel sectors sustain long-term offtake.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Index volatility was amplified by port congestion, typhoon disruptions and geopolitical trade concerns.
• Record low inventories and pre-tariff front-loading by exporters materially supported sustained price firmness across markets.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in September 2025 in APAC?
• Scheduled plant maintenance reduced domestic supply, tightening markets and elevating spot premiums and export pressure.
• Elevated feedstock and freight costs increased production costs, contributing to sustained upward price pressure thereby.
• Logistics disruptions, port congestion and geopolitical tensions constrained shipments, reducing effective availability and prompting restocking.
Europe
• In Germany, the Sodium Benzoate Price Index fell by 2.14% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting logistics-driven demand normalization.
• The average Sodium Benzoate price for the quarter was approximately USD 1188.00/MT, per CFR Hamburg.
• Sodium Benzoate Spot Price reacted to port congestion and freight spikes, sustaining price stability short-term.
• Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast indicates modest month-on-month gains as buyers replenish inventories amid constrained logistics.
• Sodium Benzoate Production Cost Trend shows higher landed costs driven by freight, currency depreciation, demurrage.
• Sodium Benzoate Demand Outlook remains firm from food, pharmaceutical, and care sectors supporting procurement volumes.
• Inventory tightness and export demand kept the Sodium Benzoate Price Index elevated despite stable manufacturing.
• Major supplier operations remained stable, but logistics bottlenecks limited flows and influenced short-term contract discussions.
Why did the price of Sodium Benzoate change in September 2025 in Europe?
• Logistics disruptions from Red Sea detours, port congestion raised freight costs, delayed deliveries, tightened supply.
• Buyers accelerated restocking following low inventories, increasing demand amid constrained shipment schedules, lead time uncertainty.
• Higher landed import costs from currency weakness and demurrage fees pressured offers, limiting downward adjustment.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America:
• In Q2 2025, Sodium Benzoate Spot Price in North America showed a generally upward trajectory with modest fluctuations, averaging a QoQ price increase from USD 1,290 in April to USD 1,301 in June, marking about a 0.85% rise overall despite an initial 0.77% dip in April, reflecting a mixed but stabilizing market environment.
• April saw prices dip due to weak demand across pharmaceuticals, food & beverages, cosmetics, and personal care sectors, compounded by U.S. trade policies and tariffs that suppressed procurement activity and increased inventories, establishing a risk-averse buyer market.
• May reversed the downward trend with a sharp price ascent driven by global freight disruptions and surging shipping costs, exacerbated by port congestions and U.S.-China trade tensions that elevated landed cost expectations and supply chain uncertainties.
• June 2025 experienced significant price acceleration fueled by rising feedstock (benzoic acid) costs, persistent supply constraints in China (major global producer), and strengthening end-use demand from food, pharma, and biofuel sectors, confirming robust demand outlook.
• Demand recovery in May and June was supported by seasonal upticks in packaged food production and pharmaceutical manufacturing, with buyers increasing buffer stocks amidst ongoing logistic hurdles and regulatory compliance requirements.
• The Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure linked to feedstock price surges and elevated freight rates, which collectively pressed manufacturers and importers to accept higher landed costs, directly impacting Sodium Benzoate prices.
• Despite geopolitical tensions and tariff impacts, supply in North America remained sufficient but tightness arose from shipping delays and inventory cautiousness among buyers, creating a balanced but volatile supply-demand scenario.
• The demand outlook remains strong, particularly in food & beverage and pharmaceutical sectors where Sodium Benzoate's preservative properties are critical, underpinning sustained consumption and price support into Q3.
• Market participants anticipate continued upward price pressure based on current supply-demand tightness, feedstock cost trends, and demand recovery signals observed through June 2025.
• June 2025 price movements mark the highest levels for the quarter, reflecting a culmination of upstream cost increases and recuperating demand, with forecasts pointing towards a cautiously bullish Sodium Benzoate price forecast for coming months.
APAC:
• The Q2 2025 Sodium Benzoate Spot Price trend in APAC was an upward trajectory overall, with the price rising from USD 1,076 in April to USD 1,090 in June, averaging about a 1.3% quarter-over-quarter increase driven largely by Chinese market dynamics and export demand pressures.
• April 2025 pricing declined initially due to soft domestic demand amid macroeconomic deceleration in China evidenced by CPI contraction and PMI decline below 50, causing oversupply and increased inventory levels.
• May revealed a sharp price rebound due to increased import orders from the U.S. before tariff relief expiration, amplified by a 27% rise in Transpacific shipping rates and tightening logistics, which compressed supply and boosted pricing power among Chinese producers.
• June saw further significant price hikes owing to production curtailments for maintenance, raw material scarcity, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East impacting global market sentiment, alongside strong downstream demand from food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biofuel sectors.
• The Production Cost Trend in APAC reflected rising feedstock prices, port congestion, and limited availability of benzoic acid, which collectively contributed to escalating manufacturing expenses and consequently sodium benzoate prices.
• Demand Outlook remained robust throughout Q2, particularly in sectors reliant on stringent preservative standards like pharmaceuticals, food preservatives, and biofuels, with buyers accelerating purchases to mitigate supply risks caused by export restrictions and tariff fluctuations.
• Logistics improvements in major Chinese ports improved operational efficiency but paradoxically added to supply glut in April, while subsequent tighter export conditions and surging freight costs in May-June tightened domestic market availability.
• The export-driven nature of the APAC market and tariff-driven trade policies significantly influenced regional price volatility, with producers strategically adjusting prices to maintain competitiveness amid a complex global trade environment.
• Sustained economic uncertainty and deflationary pressures at macro level diverged from sector-specific growth in processed foods and pharmaceutical demand, creating a unique dynamic of rising prices amid broader economic softness.
• June 2025 price movements represent a peak in Q2 driven by compounded supply constraints and strong downstream demand, leading to a forecast of continued upward Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast for the region in near term.
Europe:
• In Q2 2025, Sodium Benzoate Spot Price in Europe showed a gradual upward trend, from USD 1,207 in April to USD 1,220 in June, with a moderate average quarter-over-quarter increase of approximately 1.1%, reflecting a recovering market impacted by logistical challenges and demand resurgence.
• The April market was characterized by price declines due to oversupply caused by redirected U.S.-bound shipments and front-loaded purchases ahead of May public holidays, resulting in elevated stock levels and subdued true consumption.
• May marked a significant price increase fueled by severe logistical disruptions at Northern European ports, including congestion, industrial actions, and low Rhine water levels, which constrained inbound shipments and raised transportation costs across the region.
• These port and shipping difficulties incentivized carriers to impose congestion surcharges and shifted vessel deployment from Asia-Europe to trans-Pacific routes, further tightening European supply chains and lifting Sodium Benzoate production costs.
• Demand Outlook in May strengthened in healthcare, food & beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, where proactive procurement was undertaken to avoid stockouts amid uncertain supply, creating a seller’s market and pricing power for suppliers.
• June continued the upward price momentum as Germany and wider Europe experienced a resurgence in demand alongside ongoing freight and transport delays, with manufacturing PMI improvements indicating industrial recovery and stronger new order volumes.
• Supply conditions remained tight due to shipping route diversions, port bottlenecks, and elevated inland freight expenses, all of which sustained higher landed costs and market volatility.
• The Production Cost Trend in Europe showed increased input costs driven primarily by transport and logistics inflation, coupled with stable manufacturing volumes, pushing prices upward despite a resilient supply flow.
• Downstream sectors aggressively replenished inventories after May's procurement lull, amplifying Sodium Benzoate demand growth in June, particularly in critical end-uses such as food preservation and pharmaceuticals.
• June 2025 prices reached a quarterly high, supported by combined demand recovery and logistical cost inflation, positioning the Sodium Benzoate Price Forecast for Europe on an upward path into the next quarter amid continued supply chain challenges.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
In Q1 2025, the Sodium Benzoate market in the U.S. exhibited strong price fluctuations, primarily influenced by supply constraints, global demand shifts, and logistical disruptions. January saw a continued rise in prices due to robust pharmaceutical demand, tight domestic supply, and escalating freight costs. Increased port congestion, particularly at the Port of Los Angeles, added to the market's volatility, pushing prices upwards as buyers adjusted inventory strategies amidst limited flexibility.
By February, the trend intensified with a sharp price surge. This was driven by increased global demand, especially from Asia and Latin America, combined with tariff-related cost hikes on imports. Congestion at key ports like Savannah and New York/New Jersey further constrained supply, exacerbating the upward pricing pressure. The U.S. market was under significant strain, as manufacturers faced higher production costs, and buyers rushed to secure inventory, anticipating further disruptions.
However, in March, the market experienced a slight downturn as inventories built up and logistics improved. Despite this, the imposition of new tariffs on major trading partners like China triggered an acceleration in procurement from key sectors, including pharmaceuticals and food processing, preventing any significant price relief. Overall, Q1 2025 saw a complex mix of price increases and a slight correction towards the end of the quarter, reflecting both demand dynamics and global trade uncertainties.
APAC
In Q1 2025, Sodium Benzoate prices in China exhibited a marked upward trend, primarily driven by robust demand across the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside ongoing supply chain disruptions. January's price increase was influenced by heightened global demand and logistical challenges following the Lunar New Year holiday. This trend continued into February and March, with post-holiday recovery in demand and continued export activity tightening supply. The increase in energy and raw material costs, coupled with port congestion and logistical delays, further fueled the rise in prices.
Manufacturing dynamics played a pivotal role in the price escalation. In January, a temporary slowdown due to the Lunar New Year led to reduced output, which, when paired with lean inventories, heightened the supply-demand imbalance. By February and March, manufacturers ramped up production, but rising costs in energy, labor, and raw materials, compounded by congestion at major ports, put significant upward pressure on prices. Furthermore, export demand, especially from Western markets, diverted supply away from domestic needs, intensifying the pricing pressure.
Looking ahead, the strong demand recovery from the pharmaceutical and food industries suggests that the upward pricing trend could persist into Q2 2025. However, the long-term sustainability of these price increases will depend on global economic conditions, supply-side adjustments, and continued demand resilience in key sectors.
Europe
In Q1 2025, the price of Sodium Benzoate in Germany exhibited a clear upward trend, influenced by several key market dynamics. The quarter began with a modest 0.44% increase in January, driven by strategic purchasing ahead of potential supply disruptions during the Lunar New Year. As demand strengthened, particularly from the food and beverage industry, the market remained stable despite logistical challenges. However, the situation escalated in February, with significant price surges due to tight supply caused by reduced Chinese exports, severe port congestion in Hamburg, and labor shortages across Europe. These factors, combined with increased demand from neighboring regions and industries, placed upward pressure on prices.
March saw a continuation of this trend, with further price hikes attributed to ongoing supply chain disruptions, including severe congestion at major European ports and labor strikes in Hamburg. This led to reduced import availability, prompting restocking activities among downstream sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food manufacturers. Despite stable freight rates, the prolonged logistical issues and declining inventories gave suppliers the leverage to maintain elevated prices, further solidifying the upward trajectory.
Overall, Q1 2025 witnessed a steady increase in Sodium Benzoate prices in Germany, driven by supply constraints, strong demand, and logistical challenges. The outlook for the market suggests continued price support, especially as demand from key sectors remains robust and supply issues persist.
