Asia
The prices of sodium benzoate in China exhibited a declining trend, influenced by several factors. The market had an ample supply of sodium benzoate with high inventory levels. This, combined with reduced demand and low sales enthusiasm, painted a weak market picture. Additionally, falling prices of feedstock materials further added to the downward pressure. Both upstream toluene and soda ash saw price declines, providing minimal support on the cost side. Overall, the sodium benzoate market faced sluggish demand, driven by weak cost support, surplus supply, and diminished purchasing interest from downstream sectors, which pushed prices to the lower end.
In addition, the Indian government banned 156 fixed-dose combination (FDC) drugs, including popular antibiotics, painkillers, multivitamins, and medicines for fever and high blood pressure, in August. This is expected to impact the demand for sodium benzoate from the pharmaceutical sector, as it was a key ingredient in many of the banned FDC drugs.
Europe
The prices of sodium benzoate in the European market remained volatile in the third quarter of 2024. In the previous quarter, the European market experienced downward pressure due to logistical challenges. To address the supply shortage, several measures were implemented, resulting in fewer supply disruptions in this quarter. The rising prices of soda ash, a key feedstock, helped support the prices of sodium benzoate. Downstream demand from the food industries remained average, but the increasing feedstock prices caused fluctuations in the market.
North America
The sodium benzoate market in North America experienced price fluctuations in the third quarter of 2024. Prices rose and fell primarily due to temporary supply chain disruptions. The onset of the hurricane season brought logistical challenges, causing some production facilities to shut down and resulting in short-term supply issues. However, as these disruptions eased and supply levels normalized, prices stabilized. Additionally, the price of benzoic acid, a key feedstock, provided little support, contributing to the cost pressure. Overall, market dynamics remained weak.