For the Quarter Ending March 2024
North America
In the first quarter of 2024, the North American Sodium Chlorite market faced significant challenges, evidenced by a consistent decline in prices. The primary driver behind this downward trend was weak demand from key downstream industries such as preservatives and adhesives, which significantly dampened price levels.
Contributing to the market difficulties were supply imbalances characterized by an overabundance of product availability. This excess in inventory exacerbated the situation, as distributors struggled to offload surplus stock, further pressuring prices downward. However, the primary issue remained the weak demand, which continued to drive the trend of low prices despite these supply challenges.
As a result, inventory levels continued to rise, with storage units across North America seeing an accumulation of excess stock, reflecting the ongoing surplus within the market. In the USA, where the largest price changes were observed, the Sodium Chlorite market exhibited a consistent downward trajectory throughout the quarter. Overall, the North American Sodium Chlorite market endured a particularly tough quarter, marked by decreasing prices and a lacklustre demand outlook.
APAC
In Q1 2024 the price of the Sodium Chlorite in the APAC region witnessed a significant surge. Overall, the market has experienced varying degrees of price changes, influenced by several factors. In India, the market saw significant price increases during the quarter. This can be attributed to reduced imports from China, Europe, and the U.S., as well as increased prices of raw materials like sodium chlorate.
The demand for sodium chlorite remained stable in domestic downstream sectors such as textiles and pharmaceuticals. However, exports to Vietnam fell short of expectations due to sourcing from South Korean manufacturers. Despite these factors, warehouses held standard volumes of domestically sourced sodium chlorite, which helped mitigate shortages. In contrast, the pricing environment for sodium chlorite in the APAC region remained stable.
The demand for sodium chlorite was also moderate, with the pulp and paper industry being the main consumer. However, there was no major cost support from the derivative market, which limited price hikes. The market has not seen any major fluctuations in prices, and suppliers have kept their prices intact. The quarter-ending price for sodium chlorite in India marked an increment of 3.12%. The market has been influenced by factors such as reduced imports, increased raw material prices, and positive demand from downstream sectors.
Europe
During Q1 2024, the Sodium Chlorite market in Europe faced a declining price trend, impacted by a combination of weak demand, oversupply, and subdued trading activities. This resulted in an overall negative market sentiment, with prices consistently falling throughout the quarter. Factors such as limited demand, an abundance of product availability, and decreased purchasing activities significantly influenced the market dynamics. The fundamentals of the market remained weak, evidenced by slow market offtakes, and increased stock levels among suppliers. Notably, there was a modest uptick in prices in the latter half of the quarter, suggesting a slight improvement in market sentiment. By the end of the quarter, the prices for Sodium Chlorite were relatively low, mirroring the persistent negative pricing environment that characterized the quarter.In summary, the pricing landscape for Sodium Chlorite in Europe during Q1 2024 was predominantly negative. However the weak economic activities have hampered the demand from the various downstream sectors like Paper and Pulp, Textile, and the other miscellaneous sectors where Sodium Chlorite finds a significant uses as a bleaching agent.
For the Quarter Ending December 2023
North America
The North American Sodium Chlorite market in Q4 2023 witnessed a relatively increased trend, with moderate supply and demand conditions prevailing. In October, the Sodium Chlorite maintained its stable due to the sufficient availability to meet the domestic requirements. Furthermore, the global textile industry maintained a relatively stable and rose in pulp prices in the market during this period.
In November, Manufacturers highlighted that the elevated prices of oil and oil-derived materials had contributed to higher operating expenses. Despite an observed improvement in demand conditions, the overall rate of growth remained marginal. Some companies continued to report a subdued sales environment, indicating that while there was a positive shift, it was not substantial.
In December, the growth in total new orders was primarily driven by domestic demand, while new international sales experienced a further decline. The Christmas and New Year holidays contributed to the marginal decline in the prices of Sodium Chlorite.
APAC
Throughout the fourth quarter of 2023, the Sodium Chlorite market in India maintained a stable pricing trend. The demand from key downstream sectors such as paper and textiles remained at an average level during this period. The market exhibited a balance between supply and demand, ensuring sufficient availability to meet domestic requirements. The continuous influx of materials from manufacturing units has led to a situation of material overflow within the domestic market. In December, the contraction in new foreign sales showed signs of moderation, with export business contracting at a marginal rate, the slowest in six months. Contributing to Sodium Chlorite's performance were weakening conditions in crucial downstream industries, specifically textiles, paper, and water treatment. The softening in these sectors had a notable influence on the overall dynamics of Sodium Chlorite sales in the international market. However, overall product demand lacked robustness, and inquiries from the overseas market remained subdued as the year concluded.
Europe
In Europe, market conditions stagnated at a low level for Sodium Chlorite in the fourth quarter of 2023. The lackluster demand for the product was primarily due to the abundant supply prevalent in the market, leading to a cautious procurement approach by downstream industries. In Germany, the consistent narrow price range observed for Sodium Chlorite was a result of subdued demand reflected in low orders received from the domestic market. The continued decline in new orders from the domestic market during October further contributed to a reduction in purchasing activity within the German market. The downstream industries, specifically mentioning Sodium Chlorite 6, appeared to be cautious in their procurement approach, only making purchases on a need basis. This lack of proactive buying from downstream industries indicates a more conservative and reserved stance, possibly influenced by market conditions or strategic considerations. Due to a shortage of new orders, manufacturers persisted in reducing their backlog of work, experiencing another significant decrease throughout the month.
For the Quarter Ending September 2023
North America
In the United States market for Sodium Chlorite, the third quarter of 2023 witnessed a mixed price trajectory. The demand from disinfectant and textile industries, both domestically and globally, remained moderate. Nevertheless, an ongoing influx of materials from manufacturing units created challenges, including port congestion, as material availability remained healthy and balanced the demand-supply equation. Buyers cautiously submitted lower bids, resulting in subdued spot trading activities, and sellers responded with discounts to encourage transactions. Entering the second month of Q3, the Sodium Chlorite market in the United States grappled with the challenges of declining demand in downstream businesses. Consequently, high product inventories raised concerns among buyers. Meanwhile, the international market fundamentals remained lackluster, prompting market participants to be cautious about further investments. As September arrived, the United States Sodium Chlorite market displayed an upward trend after a period of continuous price decrements. This increase in price was primarily attributed to surging demand from downstream disinfectant and textile industries, which prompted buyers to procure larger volumes compared to the previous month. A slight reduction in inventories among suppliers further contributed to the price's upward momentum. Overall, the United States Sodium Chlorite market experienced mixed trends in the third quarter of 2023, with changing demand dynamics from key industries influencing its price trajectory.
APAC
In the Asia-Pacific region, the Chinese Sodium Chlorite market exhibited a mixed price trajectory during the third quarter of 2023. The demand from disinfectant and textile industries, both domestically and globally, took a moderate stance. However, a consistent influx of materials from manufacturing units resulted in port congestion. The market maintained healthy material availability, which balanced the demand-supply equation. This, in turn, encouraged buyers to make lower bidding offers. As a result, spot trading activities remained subdued, prompting sellers to introduce discounts to stimulate transactions. Moving into the second month of Q3, the Sodium Chlorite market faced challenges as downstream businesses continued to experience declining demand. This led to a situation with high product inventories. Furthermore, the overall international market fundamentals remained weak, influencing market participants to exercise caution regarding further investments in the product. However, as September arrived, the Chinese Sodium Chlorite market experienced an upward trajectory after witnessing continuous price decrements in the earlier part of the quarter. The price increased due to a surge in demand from downstream disinfectant and textile industries, this increased demand led to more substantial procurement by buyers compared to the previous month. Additionally, a slight decrease in inventories among suppliers played a pivotal role in pushing the prices further upward. Overall, the Chinese Sodium Chlorite market experienced mixed trends in the third quarter of 2023, with fluctuations in demand from key industries influencing its price trajectory.
Europe
In the European region, the Sodium Chlorite market experienced a pronounced declining trend during the third quarter of 2023. This trend was marked by a decrement in Sodium Chlorite prices as the quarter commenced. The downstream sectors, including disinfectant and textiles, exhibited varying demand patterns, giving rise to a cautious approach within the market. Moreover, consistent material arrivals from various sources, both domestically and internationally, resulted in an oversupply of the product. The declining trend in the European Sodium Chlorite market was further exacerbated by a weakened Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) and rising concerns of an impending recession. Reduced manufacturing activities and industrial output added to the challenges, leading to decreased demand for Sodium Chlorite from sectors like disinfectants and textiles. These factors combined to influence market sentiment, causing a continued decline throughout the quarter. The weakened PMI index and recession fears acted as significant contributing factors to this downward trajectory, making it a challenging environment for the Sodium Chlorite market in Europe.
For the Quarter Ending June 2023
North America
Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the US market for Sodium Chlorite experienced subdued market fundamentals. The initial part of Q2 saw a sharp decline in momentum, followed by a slower rate of decrement in the last two months. Market sentiments fluctuated, influenced by various factors impacting demand and supply dynamics. Diminished consumption from downstream textile and paper industries led market participants to approach the product with caution. Bulk purchasing interest waned, as buyers preferred immediate stock procurement amid feeble purchasing activities in the international market. Despite a consistent inflow of material, high inventories left buyers hesitant, resulting in subdued trading activities for the commodity. The prevailing economic uncertainty, concerns over high inflation, and rising interest rates further shaped market sentiments and contributed to a cautious atmosphere within the industry. The healthy availability of the material narrowed the gap between demand and supply, leading purchasers to offer lower bidding prices. Furthermore, decreased procurement activities remained a major driver for the declined commodity price in the market.
Asia-Pacific
During the second quarter of 2023, the Sodium Chlorite market in the Asia-Pacific region, specifically in China, experienced a notable decline in prices. Throughout Q2, the market witnessed an overall plunge of approximately 6%. The demand for Sodium Chlorite from downstream textile industries significantly decreased due to a lack of interest. However, there was still moderate demand from wastewater treatment businesses. Despite this, the spot market encountered several challenges during the quarter. Moreover, the market remained oversupplied, with abundant product availability in domestic ports, leading to weak purchasing activities over the past few months. Despite inquiries from buyers, there were no reported supply issues during this period. Buyers refrained from placing large orders, and immediate stock purchases resulted in reduced trading activities, contributing to the decline in the commodity's price. The persistently weak market fundamentals and the bearish sentiment continued to push prices down further. Meanwhile, players in these regions voiced their concerns about making any fresh purchases given the ongoing downtrend.
Europe
Throughout the second quarter of 2023, the Sodium Chlorite market witnessed a consistent decline in prices. At the beginning of Q2, falling trading activities led to a skeptical market environment. Weak buyer appetite in both domestic and international markets, coupled with sluggish end-user consumption in key industries like Textile and paper, compelled market participants to adopt lower prices to maintain competitiveness. However, despite moderate demand from water treatment plants, it was not sufficient to sway market sentiments. Additionally, in the second last month of Q2, ample supplies of Sodium Chlorite in domestic ports contributed to an oversupplied market, despite low demand and feeble purchasing activities. This, coupled with a slump in market value, kept prices at their lower end. In June, economic uncertainty and recession fears continued to dominate market sentiments, further reinforcing the downward trend in prices. Oversupply has plummeted the Sodium Chlorite market in Germany. End-users have also restricted their purchase and are buying only on a needless basis.
For the Quarter Ending March 2023
North America
In the North American market, the Sodium Chlorite market observed a mixed pricing trend in the first quarter of 2023. The market sentiments for the product were in positive territory in the first month of Q1 2023 amid increased production rates and a surge in demand from the downstream textile and water treatment industries. In the next month of Q1, the market prices of Sodium Chlorite increased further owing to stronger demand in the downstream textile and water treatment industries and active inquiries from domestic as well as international market participants. Amid looming inflationary pressure, uncertainties regarding the economy and the collapse of two banks in the US resulted in a weaker consumer demand outlook in the last month of Q1, and hence, the market sentiments for Sodium Chlorite exhibited a bearish trend this month.
APAC
In the first quarter of 2023, the Sodium Chlorite market observed a mixed pricing trend in the Indian Domestic market. In the first month of Q1, the market prices declined as demand from the downstream industries was sluggish, and the imports reaching the Indian shore remained on the softer side due to weak international demand sentiment. In the second month, the prices upsurged by an excellent margin due to increased rates of production and a rise in domestic demand from the downstream textile and water treatment industries. In the last month, the prices plummeted amid weaker cost support from the upstream Hydrogen peroxide and suppressed demand amid high inventory levels of the product in the region. Thus, the prices of Sodium Chlorite 25% Ex-Mumbai settled at INR 73250 per ton at the end of Q1 2023.
Europe
The overall pricing of Sodium Chlorite in the European market demonstrated mixed market sentiments in the first quarter of 2023. The product's prices increased in the first month of Q1 due to the lack of market competitiveness in the region as the Asian market activities remained at lower levels in this period. In February, market prices began to fall as inflationary pressures and uncertainties regarding economic conditions affected consumer sentiments, resulting in limited purchases of the product. Overall market prices dropped further in March due to reduced procurement from the downstream textile and water treatment industries. Also, the manufacturing PMI fell amid weaker demand and a drop in input costs in the European region this month, resulting in bearish market sentiments for Sodium Chlorite in the region.
For the Quarter Ending December 2022
North America
In the fourth quarter of 2022, the Sodium Chlorite market in the North American region has remained under considerable pressure amidst the swindling market dynamics. The region observed a restricted export outlook at the start of the quarter, especially for the European nations. However, the last month of the quarter presented several new challenges to the US Sodium Chlorite market as the operating rates dropped considerably amidst the blizzard storm in the region, pressurizing the value and supply chain at the same duration.
Asia Pacific
Overall, the Sodium Chlorite market in the Asia Pacific region showcased mixed sentiments based on sub-regions and seasonal duration for the supply-demand outlook in the domestic market. The far east Asian markets, especially China, have observed considerable challenges amidst the dull demand outlook. That further coupled with challenges that occurred amidst adjusting the operating rates at manufacturing facilities followed by the market slowdown. At the same time, the Southeast Asian market observed a supply glut in the mid of the fourth quarter amid of festive season. In contradiction, the second half observed a surge in the availability of the material in the domestic market provoked by the destocking practices and price competitiveness between the suppliers in the region.
Europe
The Sodium Chlorite market in Europe has remained consolidated during the fourth quarter of 2022. The overall market outlook has improved considerably over the past few months after the market activities resumed. Although several new challenges were enforced in the domestic European markets due to the high inflation, the interest rates were high. Further, coupled with the high energy prices across Europe, as a ripple effect, the production cost has surged tremendously, forcing the producers to adjust the operating rates to sustain adequate netbacks.
For the Quarter Ending September 2022
North America
In the third quarter of 2022, the Sodium Chlorite market in the North American region remained balanced. There is no delay or disruption amidst the hurricane season. In contrast, the offtakes for Sodium Chlorite remained consistent to avoid further disruptions as the possibility of a hurricane is still hovering over the market dynamics. Therefore the DDP USGC discussions for Sodium Chlorite were assessed at USD 825 per tonne during September 2022.
Asia Pacific
Overall the Sodium Chlorite market in the Asian domestic market witnessed mixed sentiments during the third quarter of 2022. The market dynamics in the Southeast Asian markets have remained stagnant to bearish amidst the off-season due to the monsoon. At the same time, the Northeast Asian markets remained unclear and witnessed supply constraints after the Chinese market faced power rationing followed by the energy reforms. As a ripple effect, the Ex-Bhiwandi discussions for Sodium Chlorite were assessed at INR 72810 per tonne during September 2022.
Europe
The Sodium Chlorite market in Europe remained dull in the third quarter of 2022. This market trend is majorly attributed to the muted market activities due to the prolonged holidays. In response, the demand for Sodium Chlorite remained dull in the domestic market. In addition, the demand slightly rebounded in September as market activities resumed. As a ripple effect, the DDP Antwerp discussions for Sodium Chlorite were assessed at USD 911 per tonne in September.
For the Quarter Ending June 2022
North America
The market for Sodium Chlorite witnessed an upward trajectory in the second quarter of 2022 in North America. In April, the USA's Sodium Chlorite prices showed an increased trend backed by the high downstream demand. Besides, end-user stable demand in June affected the price movement of Sodium Chlorite in the USA. Moreover, Force majeure in primary Chlor Alkali producing chemical plants such as Olin and Westlake in the US system resulted in diminished offers for the product in June. The high inflation rate in the USA amid the War between Russia and Ukraine conclusively affected market dynamics of Sodium Chlorite in June.
APAC
The Sodium Chlorite market witnessed an overall upward trend in Q2 of 2022. The price trend of Sodium Chlorite followed an upward trajectory in the Asian market amid resurgence of COVID 19 cases in China and hampered production activities. Limited availability of inventories with enterprises and high demand conclusively impacted the price dynamics of Sodium Chlorite in the Asian region. Besides, Sodium Chlorite's price trend declined in June because of limited inquiries and ease in the feedstock Sodium Hydroxide prices in the region. Demand for Sodium Chlorite was more sluggish than expected. Meanwhile, depreciation in Chinese and Indian currencies against the US dollar due to high rate of inflation, which also caused downward pressure on Sodium Chlorite costs in Asia.
Europe
Sodium Chlorite prices showcased mixed market sentiments in the European market for Q2 2022. In Germany, decent downstream demand resulted in an increasing trend in Sodium Chlorite prices at the end of June. The ongoing geopolitical War caused upward pressure on Sodium Chlorite in the European region amid high inflation rates. Besides, in April, weak local market demand resulted in a fall in the prices of Sodium Chlorite. In addition, the European currency (Euro) depreciation against the US dollar eased-up the Sodium Chlorite costs. Moreover, fluctuation in upstream feedstock Sodium Hydroxide and energy values conclusively compelled the traders to revise their offers in the market.
