China Sodium Nitrite Market Update: Oversupply Keeps August Prices Under Pressure

China's sodium nitrite market remained weak through July 2026. Domestic capacity stayed above current demand, while high sodium nitrate inventory continued to restrict producers. Many factories were still operating intermittently, switching between production and temporary stoppage depending on orders, inventory pressure and raw-material conditions.

From the beginning to the end of July, sodium nitrite prices moved down gradually. By month-end, mainstream quotations from northern China factories were mostly around RMB 1,900-1,950/mt, approximately USD 279-287/mt based on a working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8.

Key Takeaways for Overseas Buyers

The July market was defined by oversupply and cautious demand. Although a few factories tried to raise offers near month-end because earlier export orders tightened their available supply, the broader market still lacked strong support.

Industrial buyers can review CHCA Chem's Sodium Nitrite product page for specification, packing, COA, MSDS and RFQ information. Buyers using NaNO2 for dyeing, metal treatment, construction admixtures or other permitted industrial applications should confirm grade and documentation before shipment.

Supply and Inventory Pressure

Domestic production capacity remains the biggest pressure point. Sodium nitrite producers are constrained not only by their own market demand but also by high sodium nitrate inventory, which affects operating decisions across the nitrate-nitrite production chain.

A newly built domestic plant with around 300,000 mt/year capacity has reportedly been completed and may start production at any time. This potential supply increase is a major reason why the market outlook remains weak even when some factories temporarily report tighter spot availability.

Price Trend in July

July prices moved lower slowly rather than sharply. Factory quotations in northern China settled around RMB 1,900-1,950/mt by the end of the month. The market remained price-sensitive, and buyers generally avoided aggressive restocking.

Some producers attempted price increases near month-end because previous export orders reduced available supply. However, this was more a short-term supply allocation issue than a broad market reversal.

August Market Outlook

August sodium nitrite prices are still expected to stay below RMB 2,000/mt, approximately USD 294/mt. The main reason is that domestic oversupply has not been solved, and possible new capacity may further weigh on sentiment.

If export orders remain active at selected factories, short-term offers may fluctuate. But unless demand improves significantly or producers cut operating rates more aggressively, the market is expected to remain subdued.

Buyer Considerations

For a supplier China RFQ, importers should include purity, application, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window, COA and MSDS requirements. Buyers should also ask whether the offer is based on ready stock or forward production, because intermittent factory operation can affect delivery timing.

Distributors and manufacturers should reconfirm the latest quotation before placing orders, especially when comparing different China exporter offers. Low headline prices should still be checked against packing quality, anti-caking condition, moisture control, container loading plan and document readiness.

FAQ

Why did China sodium nitrite prices fall in July?

Prices fell because domestic supply remained excessive, sodium nitrate inventory stayed high, and downstream demand was not strong enough to absorb available production.

What was the late-July price range in northern China?

Month-end factory quotations in northern China were mostly around RMB 1,900-1,950/mt, approximately USD 279-287/mt using USD 1 = RMB 6.8.

Why did a few factories try to raise prices near month-end?

Some factories had accumulated earlier export orders, which tightened their short-term spot availability. This supported limited price increase attempts, but it did not change the broader oversupply trend.

What is the expected August price direction?

Prices are expected to remain below RMB 2,000/mt in August unless demand improves or supply is reduced more meaningfully.

What should buyers include in a sodium nitrite RFQ?

Buyers should provide purity, application, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window, COA, MSDS and any labeling or documentation requirements for import clearance.