Introduction: Entering February 2026, the domestic sodium metabisulfite market has shifted from its previous stable trend, with prices continuously climbing. Following minor price increases in the Hebei and Shanghai markets at the beginning of the month, significant catch-up price hikes were seen in areas like Hunan towards the end of the month. Industry analysis suggests that high raw material prices upstream and a moderate recovery in downstream demand are the main drivers behind this price surge.
Main Body:
Quotes Rise Synchronously Across Multiple Regions, Low Inventory Becomes Common
Data from (Business Society) and several bulk commodity information platforms indicate that the frequency of sodium metabisulfite price adjustments has noticeably accelerated in mid-to-late February. Following a 50 RMB/ton increase in the Shanghai market for industrial-grade sodium metabisulfite (96.5% content) to 2300 RMB/ton on February 13, the quote in that region was confirmed to remain at 2300 RMB/ton on February 26, with market inventory at only about 20%, suggesting a slightly tight supply side.
Main Body:
Quotes Rise Synchronously Across Multiple Regions, Low Inventory Becomes Common
Data from (Business Society) and several bulk commodity information platforms indicate that the frequency of sodium metabisulfite price adjustments has noticeably accelerated in mid-to-late February. Following a 50 RMB/ton increase in the Shanghai market for industrial-grade sodium metabisulfite (96.5% content) to 2300 RMB/ton on February 13, the quote in that region was confirmed to remain at 2300 RMB/ton on February 26, with market inventory at only about 20%, suggesting a slightly tight supply side.
Analyzing this round of price fluctuations, industry insiders point out that cost push is the core driving force. Recently, prices of upstream raw materials like sulfur and soda ash have remained high and volatile. Particularly in the soda ash market, the strength of main futures contracts and increased bullish sentiment in the market have directly transmitted pressure downstream, causing significant cost pressure for sodium metabisulfite manufacturers, who can only pass on the pressure by raising ex-factory prices.
Besides cost factors, the recovery on the demand side also provides support for the price increase. According to local market sources in Hunan, after the Spring Festival holiday, operating rates in downstream industries such as pharmaceuticals, printing and dyeing, and water treatment have gradually recovered, with purchasing intentions stronger than before. Influenced by the “buying on rising prices” mentality, some intermediaries and end-users have begun to replenish inventories, further exacerbating the low inventory situation in the circulation sector.
Future Outlook: Likely to Maintain Range-Bound Fluctuations in the Short Term
Regarding the future trend, from PriceSeek suggests that the current sodium metabisulfite market exhibits clear characteristics of “cost push + low inventory”. Although downstream users may need some time to digest the continuously rising prices, under the general backdrop of no significant signs of easing on the raw material side and generally low inventory levels, it is expected that the domestic spot market for sodium metabisulfite will maintain a relatively strong range-bound fluctuation pattern in the short term. Subsequent market movements will require close attention to raw material price changes and the actual and capacity of downstream demand.
Post time: Mar-02-2026