China Sodium Nitrite Market Analysis: Supply Cuts Support Stable Prices in May

By late May 2026, the China Sodium Nitrite market was more stable than the related nitrate market, but the supply chain remained cautious. The Shandong ex-works price was around RMB 2,100/MT, equal to approximately USD 309/MT based on the working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. Current price indications should still be reconfirmed before any firm export quotation.

Market Overview

The main pressure came from the weak sodium nitrate market. Sodium nitrate prices were around RMB 1,650/MT, or approximately USD 243/MT on the same exchange-rate basis. Low prices, high inventory, and slow sales pushed several producers to reduce operating rates or stop production.

In Hubei, two of three producers had stopped production by late May, and another plant was expected to stop in June. In Shandong, two of three producers were also reported offline. One producer in Shanxi had already stopped production. These operating changes reduced spot supply pressure for sodium nitrite even though end-user demand was not strong.

Supply and Inventory

Most shutdowns were linked to weak economics in the related nitrate chain rather than a sharp increase in sodium nitrite demand. A major Shandong producer was also expected to enter early-June maintenance for its own production schedule. Its sodium nitrate output is mainly molten-salt grade, and current inventory was limited, so this maintenance should not be read as a broad inventory-driven shutdown.

For the sodium nitrite market, the key point is that supply has become more disciplined. Producers are less willing to push prices lower when several plants are already offline or preparing maintenance. At the same time, high inventories in the broader nitrate chain continue to limit any strong upward price momentum.

Price Outlook

Shandong sodium nitrite prices are expected to remain relatively stable in the near term. A significant price increase looks difficult because downstream demand is still cautious and sodium nitrate sentiment remains weak. A sharp decline also looks unlikely because reduced operating rates and maintenance plans are supporting the market around the current level.

For June, the most likely scenario is a stable-to-narrow-range market. Export buyers should watch plant restart schedules, nitrate inventory changes, and whether downstream users begin restocking after prices stabilize.

Buyer Considerations

For overseas buyers, this market is better suited to practical small and medium inquiries rather than waiting for a large single cargo. Buyers planning container-based purchases or shipments below 5,000 MT can use the current stable price range to compare offers, confirm packaging, request COA and safety documents, and check realistic shipment windows.

We can support sodium nitrite inquiries with updated China market indications, export documentation, and quotation follow-up based on real-time factory availability. Buyers are encouraged to reconfirm specifications, packing, quantity, destination port, and required delivery timing before placing orders.

FAQ

Why did sodium nitrite prices stay stable while sodium nitrate was weak?

Sodium nitrate weakness caused several related producers to stop or reduce production, which helped limit sodium nitrite supply pressure and supported price stability.

What is the current Shandong sodium nitrite price indication?

By late May 2026, the Shandong ex-works indication was around RMB 2,100/MT, approximately USD 309/MT using USD 1 = RMB 6.8. Final export prices depend on quantity, packing, logistics, and current factory availability.

Is a strong price increase expected in June?

A strong increase is not expected based on current demand conditions. The market is more likely to remain stable or move within a narrow range unless plant operations or downstream demand change significantly.