-
We detected your language preference as English. Would you like to switch to the English version for a better experience?
Switch to English
Stay here
China, the United States, and Germany are the leading exporters of sodium sulfate, collectively accounting for a substantial share of global shipments, while India, Mexico, and Brazil represent the largest importers. These countries reflect both mature industrial demand and growing downstream applications in detergents, glass, and textiles. Global sodium sulfate trade volumes have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with modest regional shifts in sourcing—particularly increased imports by Mexico and India from U.S. and German suppliers—coinciding with fluctuations in sodium sulfate prices tied to raw material costs and logistics constraints.
Recent Market Dynamics of Sodium Sulfate
1. Price Trends
- The domestic sodium sulfate market in China is overall stable with minor adjustments. Prices have shown slight fluctuations in certain regions due to supply changes. In the East China region, the price of industrial-grade sodium sulfate ranges from 450 to 550 RMB/ton, remaining largely unchanged from the previous week. However, some manufacturers with low inventory pressure have raised their quotes by 20 to 30 RMB/ton. In the North China region, prices range from 420 to 500 RMB/ton, experiencing a slight decline of 10 to 15 RMB/ton, primarily driven by weakened local demand.
- Internationally, sodium sulfate prices have diverged due to regional supply and demand differences. In Southeast Asia, prices have slightly increased by 5 to 10 USD/ton due to rising import demand. In parts of Europe, prices remain stable due to sufficient local supply, with industrial-grade sodium sulfate priced between 70 and 85 EUR/ton.
2. Supply Situation
- The operating rate of domestic sodium sulfate production enterprises remains stable overall, with most companies maintaining normal production. Some large enterprises are operating at full capacity due to ample orders, keeping inventory at reasonable levels. Some small and medium-sized enterprises have experienced slight fluctuations in operating rates due to environmental inspections, but the overall impact on market supply is minimal.
- On the import front, recent sodium sulfate import volumes have increased, primarily from Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The influx of imported products has supplemented market supply in certain domestic regions, exerting some downward pressure on local prices.
3. Demand Situation
- Downstream industry demand varies. The glass industry, a major consumer of sodium sulfate, has good operating conditions and stable demand. However, procurement is mostly on an as-needed basis, with no large-scale stockpiling.
- Demand in the paper industry has slowed down. Affected by environmental policies, some small and medium-sized paper enterprises have reduced production or ceased operations, leading to decreased sodium sulfate demand.
- Demand in the printing and dyeing, and detergent industries remains stable, with no significant growth or decline.
4. Cost Aspects
- Prices of main raw materials, sulfuric acid and soda ash, have shown minimal fluctuations recently. Sulfuric acid market supply is sufficient, with prices stable at 300 to 400 RMB/ton. Soda ash prices have slightly increased due to demand from downstream industries like glass, but the impact on sodium sulfate production costs is limited.
- Energy prices, including coal and natural gas, remain relatively stable, resulting in little change in enterprise production costs.
Analysis and Judgment
1. Price Influencing Factors
- Supply Side: Stable domestic production operating rates and increased import volumes mean overall market supply is sufficient, which will act as a restraint on price increases.
- Demand Side: Downstream industry demand is divergent. The glass industry has stable but cautious procurement, the paper industry's demand is slowing, and other industries remain stable. Overall, insufficient demand growth momentum makes it difficult to support significant price increases.
- Cost Side: Stable raw material and energy prices have a minor impact on sodium sulfate prices. Cost factors are not the main drivers of current price fluctuations.
2. Market Competition Landscape
- Competition in the sodium sulfate market is intense, with numerous production enterprises and severe product homogenization. To compete for market share, enterprises may engage in price competition to promote sales, further suppressing the room for price increases.
Forecast
1. Short-term Forecast (1-2 Weeks)
- Domestic sodium sulfate prices will continue to remain stable with minor adjustments. Some regions may see slight fluctuations due to supply and demand changes, but overall price volatility is expected to be between 10 and 30 RMB/ton.
- Internationally, prices in Southeast Asia may continue to rise slightly due to sustained demand growth, while prices in Europe will remain stable.
2. Medium-term Forecast (1-3 Months)
- As downstream industry demand gradually releases or adjusts, if demand in the glass industry increases and demand in the paper industry stabilizes, sodium sulfate prices may see a moderate increase, but the rise will be limited, expected to be between 30 and 50 RMB/ton.
- If import volumes continue to increase, intensifying market oversupply pressure, prices may face downward pressure. However, the decline will not be substantial, expected to be between 20 and 40 RMB/ton.
Sodium sulfate is a white, crystalline, odorless solid that exists in anhydrous and hydrated (decahydrate) forms; the anhydrous form melts at 884 °C and is non-volatile. It is an inorganic salt, specifically the sodium salt of sulfuric acid. Sodium sulfate serves primarily as a filler and processing aid in detergent manufacturing, and as a raw material in the production of sodium sulfide, glass, and paper pulp. It is widely used in the textile industry for dye leveling and in the manufacture of synthetic detergents, kraft paper, and certain specialty chemicals.
It can be mainly used as the filler of synthetic detergent. Paper industry applies it for the cooking agent during the manufacture of sulfate pulp. Glass industry uses it as substitute of soda. Chemical industry applies it as the raw material for the manufacturing of sodium sulfide, sodium silicate and other chemical products. Textile industry applies it for the formulation of Vinylon spinning coagulation bath. The pharmaceutical industry applies it as laxatives. It can also be used in non-ferrous metallurgy and leather.
It appears as white monoclinic crystal or powder. It can be dissolved in water with the aqueous solution being alkaline. IT can be dissolved in glycerol and is insoluble in ethanol.
This chemical is included in Basic Chemicals. See more about what is Sodium sulfate and Sodium sulfate SDS information.
Find Sodium sulfate supply and Sodium sulfate suppliers on Guidechem to meet your sourcing needs from 976 trusted and certifedsuppliers.
Guidechem assumes no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this site. The information contained in this site is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness, fitness for purpose or timeliness.
EN
