Sodium metabisulfate price December 2025 and outlook (see chart below)
- North America:US$0.88/KG, 2.3% up
- Europe:US$0.95/KG, 4.4% up
- Northeast Asia:US$0.29/KG, 3.6% up
- India:US$0.64/KG, 1.6% up
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Sodium metabisulfite price index
This post is a summary of the Sodium metabisulfite price index developments since 2017. The price developments are expressed as a price index in US$ prices converted at current FX rates, which are FX rates applicable at the time. Sodium metabisulfite price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.
Further information on the Sodium metabisulfite price chart
What is Sodium metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite (also known as sodium pyrosulfite) is a white crystalline powder with a chemical formula of Na2S2O5. It is a sodium salt composed of sulfurous acid and sulfur dioxide, and is commonly used as a food preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant.
Sodium metabisulfite is often used in the food and beverage industry to preserve the freshness and color of fruits, vegetables, and meats, as well as to prevent bacterial growth. It is also used in the wine-making process to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
In addition to its food-related applications, sodium metabisulfite is used in a variety of industries, including water treatment, pharmaceuticals, and photography. However, it should be noted that sodium metabisulfite can be harmful if ingested or inhaled in large amounts, and can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
How is sodium metabisulfite produced
Sodium metabisulfite can be produced by reacting sodium carbonate or sodium hydroxide with sulfur dioxide gas under specific conditions of temperature and pressure. The reaction produces sodium sulfite, which is then further oxidized with additional sulfur dioxide to form sodium metabisulfite.
The chemical equation for the production of sodium metabisulfite is:
2 NaOH + 2 SO2 → Na2S2O5 + H2O
Alternatively, sodium metabisulfite can be produced by reacting sodium bisulfite with sodium hydroxide to form the sodium salt of bisulfite, which can then be heated to form sodium metabisulfite:
2 NaHSO3 + NaOH → Na2SO3 + 2 H2O 2 Na2SO3 → Na2S2O5 + O2
Once produced, sodium metabisulfite can be purified and crystallized for use in various applications.
What is sodium metabisulfite used for
Sodium metabisulfite is a versatile chemical with a wide range of applications in various industries. Some of its major uses are:
Food and Beverage Industry
Sodium metabisulfite is widely used as a food preservative, antioxidant, and disinfectant to prevent bacterial growth and preserve the color and freshness of fruits, vegetables, and meats. It is also used in wine-making to prevent oxidation and spoilage.
Water Treatment
Sodium metabisulfite is used in the water treatment industry to remove excess chlorine and as a reducing agent to eliminate harmful bacteria and microorganisms in water.
Pulp and Paper Industry
Sodium metabisulfite is used in the pulp and paper industry as a bleaching agent to remove impurities from wood pulp.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Sodium metabisulfite is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a reducing agent and antioxidant to stabilize drugs and extend their shelf life.
Chemical Industry
Sodium metabisulfite is used as a reducing agent in various chemical processes, such as in the production of dyes, pigments, and photographic chemicals.
Textile Industry
Sodium metabisulfite is used in the textile industry as a bleaching agent to remove excess dye from fabrics.
Overall, sodium metabisulfite is a widely used chemical with multiple applications in various industries due to its ability to prevent oxidation, inhibit bacterial growth, and act as a reducing agent.
What drives the cost of sodium metabisulfite
Several factors can impact the cost of sodium metabisulfite, including:
Raw Material Prices
The cost of the raw materials used to produce sodium metabisulfite, such as sodium carbonate, sulfur dioxide, and sodium hydroxide, can impact the final cost of the chemical.
Production and Transportation Costs
The cost of producing and transporting sodium metabisulfite can also impact its final cost. Energy prices, labor costs, and transportation costs can all affect the final cost of the chemical.
Government Regulations
Government regulations can also impact the cost of sodium metabisulfite, particularly in terms of environmental regulations and safety standards, which may increase production costs.
Exchange Rates
Fluctuations in exchange rates can also affect the cost of sodium metabisulfite in different regions, particularly for countries that import or export the chemical.
Overall, the cost of sodium metabisulfite is influenced by a variety of factors, including raw material prices, production and transportation costs, market demand, government regulations, and exchange rates.
What types of sodium metabisulfite are there
Sodium metabisulfite is available in various forms and grades, depending on its intended use. The most common types of sodium metabisulfite are:
Industrial Grade
Industrial grade sodium metabisulfite is commonly used in water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, and chemical processes. It is typically sold in the form of white or yellowish crystals or powder.
Food Grade
Food grade sodium metabisulfite is used in the food and beverage industry as a preservative and antioxidant. It is often sold in the form of fine white or light yellow powder, with a minimum purity of 95%.
Pharmaceutical Grade
Pharmaceutical grade sodium metabisulfite is used in the pharmaceutical industry as a reducing agent and antioxidant. It is typically sold in the form of white crystalline powder, with a minimum purity of 98%.
Photo Grade
Photo grade sodium metabisulfite is used in the photographic industry as a developing agent. It is often sold in the form of white or yellowish crystals or powder, with a minimum purity of 97%.
Technical Grade
Technical grade sodium metabisulfite is used in a wide range of applications, including in the textile industry as a bleaching agent, in the leather industry as a reducing agent, and in the mining industry as a flotation agent. It is typically sold in the form of white or yellowish crystals or powder, with a minimum purity of 96%.
Overall, the type of sodium metabisulfite used will depend on its intended application, with different forms and grades offering specific benefits and properties.
How big is the global sodium metabisulfite market
The global sodium metabisulfite market size was valued at USD 408.4 million in 2020 and is projected to reach USD 551.3 million by 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% during the forecast period 2021-2028.
The growth of the sodium metabisulfite market is driven by factors such as its use as a food preservative and antioxidant, its applications in the water treatment and pulp and paper industries, and its use as a reducing agent in various chemical processes. Additionally, the increasing demand for sodium metabisulfite in the wine-making industry to preserve the flavor and color of wines is also contributing to the market growth.
Geographically, Asia Pacific is expected to dominate the sodium metabisulfite market during the forecast period, due to the increasing demand for processed foods, water treatment, and pulp and paper products in the region. North America and Europe are also significant markets for sodium metabisulfite, driven by the growth of the food and beverage industry in these regions.
Which countries produce the most sodium metabisulfite
Sodium metabisulfite is produced by several countries around the world. According to the latest available data from 2020, the top five sodium metabisulfite producing countries are:
China
China is the largest producer and exporter of sodium metabisulfite in the world, accounting for approximately 50% of global production.
United States
The United States is the second-largest producer of sodium metabisulfite, with significant production capacity concentrated in states such as California, Illinois, and Texas.
India
India is a significant producer of sodium metabisulfite, with a growing domestic market for the chemical due to the country’s expanding food and beverage industry.
Germany
Germany is a major producer of sodium metabisulfite, with significant production capacity concentrated in the chemical manufacturing hub of North Rhine-Westphalia.
South Korea
South Korea is a significant producer of sodium metabisulfite, with a strong domestic market for the chemical due to its applications in the food and beverage industry and water treatment.
Other countries with significant production capacity for sodium metabisulfite include Japan, France, Russia, and Brazil.