For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
North American region displayed a significant dip in the prices of Sodium Thiosulphate during the fourth quarter of 2022. Due to China's Golden Week celebrations, the import from China remained low, along with inquiries that supported the weaker market sentiments of downstream Sodium Thiosulphate. Stagnant production costs and falling prices for raw materials like sodium sulphide and sulphur helped to ease market uncertainty.
Additionally, higher inventories among domestic merchants and steadfast demand for Sodium Thiosulphate from the downstream sectors in the United States supported the market sentiments throughout the final quarter.
Asia
The cost of Sodium Thiosulphate in the Asia Pacific region, primarily in China, demonstrated a dwindling trajectory throughout the final quarter of 2022 as a result of the weak demand from the downstream pharmaceutical sectors. During October, new export orders were at their "lowest level since August" owing to the continuous shrinkage of China's manufacturing industry for Sodium Thiosulphate. Ease in trade disruption, along with ease in freight charges during November, also influenced the sentiments for Sodium Thiosulphate. Moreover, with declining demand, stockpiling of inventories among the market players, and the prices of Sodium Thiosulphate remained on the lower end till the end of 2022. During the month of December, the settlement price of Sodium Thiosulphate came down to USD 1648/MT CFR New York.
Europe
During the fourth quarter of 2022, the prices of Sodium Thiosulphate followed a similar pattern to that of Asia Pacific. During the month of December, the settlement price of Sodium Thiosulphate came down in Germany during November because of declining demand from the end-user pharmaceutical industry and rising inventories among the market players. Furthermore, the market's uncertainties were eased by stagnant manufacturing costs and declining prices for raw ingredients like sodium sulphide and sulphur. As inquiries from the downstream sector for Sodium Thiosulphate prices began to fall significantly in December, which was also supported by the nearing festival season and upcoming holidays. Additionally, the inventories, with market players' however, remained larger, and their inquiries weaker during the Thanksgiving break.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
Due to consistent demand fundamentals and good supplies, the North American Sodium Thiosulphate market was reportedly on a steady trend and the lower side during the third quarter of 2022. The prices started to decline at the end of the first part of Q3 2022. Stagnant manufacturing costs and falling prices for raw materials like sodium sulfide and sulfur helped to calm the market's nerves. Existing supplies and enough inventories among the domestic merchants also kept the market feeble. Prices for Sodium Thiosulfate fell after Q3 2022 due to sufficient stockpiles and existing supply.
Asia
During the third quarter of 2022, the Sodium Thiosulphate market witnessed fluctuating behavior in the APAC region. At the onset of Q3, the prices were recorded to be stable on the higher end, with steady demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry, research, and development activities. At the commencement of the third month of Q3, the prices started to fall on the back of deteriorating demand from the downstream sectors. Also, enough existing supplies and sufficient inventories among the domestic suppliers and merchants propelled them to quote lower prices to maintain the margin. Furthermore, the prices of raw material sulfur and sodium sulfide were recorded to be declining, affecting the Sodium thiosulfate market. Towards the end of Q3 2022, the values accessed were INR 145780/MT, with an average quarterly declination was 1.40%.
Europe
The market dynamics for sodium thiosulfate in the European region showed a consistent price trend with rising demand from the food and downstream pharmaceutical industries, among others. The market prices were noted to be firm with subsequent drops, declining raw material sulfur prices, consistent demand, and stable manufacturing costs. Market attitudes were variable in both domestic and foreign markets. Since there was an excess supply, it was possible to manufacture goods at lower costs thanks to falling raw material costs. Prices for sodium thiosulfate were observed to have a constant price trajectory with a declining trend until Q3 2022.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
During the second quarter of 2022, the Sodium thiosulphate market has recorded to be steady on the lower side in the North American region owing to stable demand fundamentals and good supplies. Towards the termination of the first half of Q2 2022, the prices decreased. Sinking raw material sulfur and sodium sulfide prices and the stable manufacturing cost kept the Sodium thiosulphate market sentiments at ease. Destroying existing inventories also decreased the prices of sodium thiosulphate with weak market sentiments. With enough inventories and existing stock, the Sodium thiosulphate prices were recorded to decline towards the end of Q2 2022
Asia
During the second quarter of 2022, the Sodium thiosulphate market witnessed seesaw behavior in the Asia Pacific region. Demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry, research, and development activities, as preservatives increased at a stable rate. At the beginning of Q2 2022, the prices increased owing to raw material sulfur and sodium sulfide prices. But on the onset of the second half of Q2 2022, the prices started to drop due to sufficient inventories and sluggish demand from downstream pharmaceutical and other industries. Stagnant market prices for raw materials and stable demand from regional and overseas markets kept the market sentiments at ease. Towards the end of Q2 2022, the values accessed were INR 152200/MT, with an average quarterly declination was 1.0%.
Europe
In the European region, Sodium thiosulphate market dynamics showcased a stable price trajectory with increasing demand from the downstream pharmaceutical industry, food industry, etc. Over and above decreasing raw material sulfur prices, steady demand, and stable manufacturing costs, the market prices were recorded to be firm with subsequent decreases. Both regional and overseas markets experienced flexible market sentiments. The supply was in surplus, and the manufacturing cost was reduced due to decreasing raw material prices. Towards the end of Q2 2022, the Sodium thiosulphate prices were recorded to follow a stable price trajectory with a decreasing trend.