Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend and Forecast

Sodium Thiosulfate Regional Price Overview

Get the latest insights on price movement and trend analysis of Sodium Thiosulfate in different regions across the world (Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa).

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend for the Q2 of 2024

Asia

In Asia, particularly China, the sodium thiosulfate market saw an upward price trend in the early part of Q2 2024, mirroring the rise in its feedstock prices. Before the May Day holidays, domestic demand for sodium thiosulfate outpaced the availability of the commodity, driving prices higher. This increase was supported by strong in-house production and a firm domestic market, similar to the sodium sulfate trend. After the holidays, although the market recovery was gradual, the increased pace of international offers helped sustain profit margins for both traders and manufacturers.
 

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Chart

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Additionally, the cost of feedstock, such as sodium salts, provided ample support for the continued price increase of sodium thiosulfate. By the end of the quarter, the improved domestic demand further raised traders' expectations for continued price stability or growth. The abrupt rise in ocean freight charges limited exports to European countries, but this did not significantly impact the Asian sodium thiosulfate market, which remained largely insulated from these external pressures.

Europe

In Europe, the sodium thiosulfate market during Q2 2024 experienced price fluctuations influenced by several economic and market factors. Despite strong domestic production and sufficient stock levels to meet downstream demand, sodium thiosulfate prices showed signs of rising, driven by firm demand from key sectors such as laundry, detergents, and textiles. The ongoing global supply chain disruptions, particularly the Red Sea crisis, had a notable impact on the market, affecting ocean freight rates and vessel capacity.

These transportation challenges created tighter shipping conditions from Asia to Europe, contributing to anticipated price increases for sodium thiosulfate. Additionally, the economic environment, characterized by the European Central Bank's interest rate cuts and a slight uptick in industrial production, further supported the upward price trend. The combination of strong domestic demand and external supply chain challenges kept sodium thiosulfate prices elevated throughout the quarter despite fluctuations.

North America

In North America, the sodium thiosulfate market followed an upward price trajectory during Q2 2024, similar to sodium sulfate. This increase was driven by rising consumer demand, fueled by heightened industrial and household activities, as well as preparations in the water treatment sector for the summer. Although demand from the textile and paper industries remained weak, the overall market was bolstered by strong upstream cost pressures from sodium chloride.

Manufacturers faced significant cost increases due to higher input, energy, and labor costs, which contributed to the overall price rise of sodium thiosulfate. While export and import activities saw a decline, ocean freight rates fluctuated, with mid-quarter increases followed by a drop towards the end. Geopolitical challenges, such as avoiding the Red Sea due to conflicts and navigating eased Panama Canal restrictions, also played a role in shaping market dynamics. Despite varying demands across different sectors, these combined factors resulted in an overall upward price trend for sodium thiosulfate in North America.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price of Sodium Thiosulfate is expected to oscillate in a narrow range as the fluctuations in the cost support from the feedstock markets and global trading crises will assert a significant influence on the market sentiments of sodium thiosulfate.
 

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend for the Q1 of 2024

Asia

The market participants of sodium thiosulfate noticed frail sentiments of the domestic sodium thiosulfate market, resulting in a marginal decline in its price trend during Q1 of 2024. This decline was attributed to lowered manufacturers’ quotations due to consistent drops in upstream raw material prices. Also, the carried forward inventories of sodium thiosulfate from previous quarters were sufficient in catering to the domestic and limited overseas demand for the salt.

Further, the surging downward pressure on the market influenced by the rising cost of transportation and elongation of trading routes further limited the growth momentum of the sodium thiosulfate price trend. Among the feedstock chemicals, the soda ash prices dropped in the domestic markets while the sulfur prices increased by a slight margin, adding to the volatility of the sodium thiosulfate market.

Europe

In the first quarter of 2024, the sodium thiosulfate market in the European countries witnessed a notable increase, reflecting a positive industry outlook driven by strong consumer confidence in downstream sectors. This surge in prices is attributed to robust demand and favorable conditions in the upstream raw material market, particularly for sulfate salts of sodium. The manufacturers noticed the resurgence of bulk orders and rising trader appetite to replenish inventories, signaling bullish sentiment in the market. In Europe, sodium thiosulfate prices were on the rise due to factors like geopolitical tensions, shipment delays, and currency depreciation against the USD.

The disruptions in key maritime routes, such as incidents in the Suez Canal, have further impacted the market, leading to increased shipping costs and supply chain disruptions. Additionally, geopolitical disturbances, including tensions in the Red Sea, continue to pose challenges, affecting global supply chains and contributing to expected increases in freight prices and extended transit times.

North America

The sodium thiosulfate market in the United States experienced a notable surge, driven by heightened demand across various downstream sectors such as food, textiles, and water treatment. This surge was the primary cause of significant price increases, further supported by robust consumer confidence and strategic bulk purchasing by market stakeholders to replenish inventories.

The reduced operating rates during the holiday season in China lowered their export rates and constrained stock availability, prompting manufacturers to adjust pricing. Additionally, increased demand and inquiries from downstream industries intensified upward price pressure.

The recent festivities surrounding the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival temporarily slowed economic activity in China but led to a notable upswing in regional and international inquiries for sodium thiosulfate post-holiday. Further, the rising prices and freight charges due to geopolitical tensions also contributed to the price surge in the US market.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of Sodium Thiosulfate is expected to alter its trajectory in accordance with the changing dynamics of the downstream demand and the changing landscape of global trading patterns in the next quarter of 2024.
 

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend for the October - December of 2023

Asia

The sodium thiosulfate prices were observed to vary regionally in the last three months of the year 2023. The Chinese sodium thiosulfate market performed comparatively better than the Indian market during this period. These oscillations in the sodium thiosulfate market trend were a direct reflection of the variations in the feedstock sulfur and sodium hydroxide prices.

Since both these raw materials slightly picked up in the Chinese market, the market behavior occasionally turned positive for sodium thiosulfate as well. In the Indian sodium thiosulfate market, the inventories were still running very high, and the upstream cost support from the feedstock side was also negligible; this led to a muddled price pattern in the region. Overall, mixed market sentiments were observed in the last quarter of the year 2023.

Europe

The sodium thiosulfate market trend in the European region were observed to be fluctuating within a very narrow range during Q4’23. The cutdown in international trade impacted both domestic and offshore trade. The long stretched war in the European backyard coupled with other geopolitical tensions impacted the markets negatively. Overall, mild fluctuations in the price trend were observed during the said time period.

North America

The North American market’s performance for sodium thiosulfate was largely underwhelming during the said period. Both the upstream and downstream outlooks did not act in favor of the sodium thiosulfate price trend. Along with this, a downfall in crude oil prices also didn’t help the sodium thiosulfate market sentiments.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, similar regional variations are projected in the Sodium Thiosulfate price trend in the coming months as well.
 

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend for the July - September of 2023

Asia

Sodium Thiosulfate trading behavior exhibited a close resemblance to the market trend of its feedstocks, sodium hydroxide, and sulphur. In Asian regional markets like India and China, the price trend for sodium thiosulfate were observed to be positive during the said period.

Apart from the positive cost support from feedstock commodities, the versatile usage of sodium thiosulfate as a reducing agent in the chemical and precious metal industry helped push up the demand spectrum. Hence, a healthy gap in the supply and demand dynamics of sodium thiosulfate led to a price rise during the discussed period.

Europe

The European market for sodium thiosulfate mostly fluctuated within a narrow range for the entire period of Q3’23. The market outlook was looking positive, but the feedstock prices could not anchor the sodium thiosulfate costs in the desired manner. Demands were regular, and the market trend for sodium thiosulfate remained afloat.

North America

Following up the global trend, sodium thiosulfate prices fluctuated positively in the American market as well. The high rate of inflation, living costs, and high-interest rates were also the driving factors, and considerable demands from the consuming sectors also supported the wavering price graphs. Overall, positive market sentiments were observed.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, Sodium Thiosulfate prices will continue to fluctuate according to the changes in supply and demand dynamics.
 

Sodium Thiosulfate Price Trend for First Half of 2023

Asia

The price trend of sodium thiosulfate was dependent on the feedstock materials. The market for feedstocks declined in the first quarter of 2023. The market was negatively impacted by the low level of inventories, decreased rates of consumption, and high fluctuating costs of crude oil.

Investments and trading activities also struggled in the Asia-Pacific region. However, in the second quarter, the market gained momentum with positive influence from the feedstock prices. The feedstock market was supported by the fertilizer industries and a surge in the sodium thiosulfate derivatives demand.

Europe

Severe disruption in the supply chains and downward movement of demand from the end-user industries, along with uncertainties in the freight charges, caused the price trend of sodium thiosulfate to decline in the first and second quarters of 2023.

The fall in the prices was much more prominent in the second quarter as the petrochemical sector and sales of fertilizer-related products guided the sodium thiosulfate prices. The consumption rates of sodium thiosulfate also remained feeble throughout the first two quarters of 2023, hampering the growth of the sodium thiosulfate market.

North America

In the first quarter of 2023, the unstable economy and in the second quarter, severe fluctuations in the cost of crude oil had a negative impact on the sodium thiosulfate price trend. In the first quarter, the failure of two major banks in the US adversely affected the US markets and, in turn, consumer confidence.

Similarly, in the second quarter, the falling manufacturing rates due to the high costs of energy production and a weak economy depleted the level of inventories. In adverse market conditions, the investors were also hesitant to invest in the sodium thiosulfate market, and thus, the price trend of sodium thiosulfate fell southwards.

Analyst Insight

According to Procurement Resource, the price trend of sodium thiosulfate is expected to witness a declining trajectory as the demand from downstream industries and the feedstock market is severely affected by the high instability in the global markets.

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