Sodium Thiosulfate: A Comprehensive Global Market Guide for 2026

1. Introduction to Sodium Thiosulfate

Sodium thiosulfate (Na₂S₂O₃) is an inorganic compound that appears as a white crystalline solid, often found in its pentahydrate form (Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O). It is highly soluble in water and exhibits strong reducing properties. Historically known as “hypo” in photography, its applications have expanded far beyond film development. Today, it is a critical chemical in gold extraction (as a lixiviant), water dechlorination, medical antidotes (for cyanide poisoning), textile bleaching, and as a reducing agent in various industrial processes. The global market for sodium thiosulfate is driven by its versatility, environmental benefits (non-toxic alternatives to cyanide), and steady demand from the mining and water treatment sectors.

2. Top 10 Global Sodium Thiosulfate Manufacturers & Suppliers

The global production landscape is dominated by chemical giants and specialized manufacturers. Below is a ranking based on production capacity, revenue, and global reach.

الرتبة	اسم الشركة	البلد	Estimated Annual Capacity (MT)
1	BASF SE	ألمانيا	120,000+
2	Solvay S.A.	بلجيكا	100,000+
3	Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals)	هولندا	90,000+
4	Calabrian Corporation	الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية	80,000+
5	Esseco Group	ايطاليا	70,000+
6	Mitsubishi Chemical Group	اليابان	60,000+
7	Shandong Shouguang Lvjian Chemical Co., Ltd.	الصين	150,000+
8	Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical Co., Ltd.	الصين	120,000+
9	Nafine الصناعة الكيميائية Group Co., Ltd.	الصين	100,000+
10	Changsha Shengyang Chemical Co., Ltd.	الصين	80,000+

3. Top 10 Sodium Thiosulfate Suppliers & Factories in China

China is the world’s largest producer of sodium thiosulfate, accounting for over 40% of global output. The following list represents the leading Chinese manufacturers based on scale and export volume.

الرتبة	اسم الشركة	Location (Province)	Key Product Grade
1	Shandong Shouguang Lvjian Chemical Co., Ltd.	شاندونغ	Industrial & Photographic
2	Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical Co., Ltd.	هوبى	Industrial & Food Grade
3	Nafine Chemical Industry Group Co., Ltd.	Shanxi	Industrial Grade
4	Changsha Shengyang Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hunan	Photographic & Medical
5	Zhenjiang Jinshan Chemical Co., Ltd.	جيانغسو	Industrial & Water Treatment
6	Tianjin Bohai Chemical Co., Ltd.	Tianjin	Industrial Grade
7	Hebei Yuhuan Chemical Co., Ltd.	خبي	Industrial & Mining
8	Jinan Haohua Industry Co., Ltd.	شاندونغ	Industrial & المنسوجات
9	Wuhan Yuancheng Technology Development Co., Ltd.	هوبى	Pharmaceutical Grade
10	Nantong Feiyu Chemical Co., Ltd.	جيانغسو	Industrial & Agriculture

4. Global Supplier & Factory Contact Information Table

Below is a curated list of key global suppliers with verified contact details for direct procurement inquiries.

الشركة	البلد	الاتصال بالبريد الإلكتروني	نوع المنتج
BASF SE	ألمانيا	infoservice@basf.com	Industrial, Pharma
Solvay S.A.	بلجيكا	sodium.thiosulfate@solvay.com	Industrial, Mining
Nouryon	هولندا	chemicals.info@nouryon.com	Industrial, Water Treatment
Calabrian Corporation	الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية	sales@calabrian.com	Industrial, Food Grade
Esseco Group	ايطاليا	info@sodio.it	Industrial, Photographic
Shandong Lvjian Chemical	الصين	export@lvjianchem.com	Industrial, Mining
Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical	الصين	sales@xinmingtai.com	Industrial, Food Grade
Nafine Chemical	الصين	export@nafine.com	Industrial Grade

5. Key Factors When Selecting a Chinese Manufacturer

Choosing the right supplier in China requires careful evaluation beyond price. Consider the following factors:

• Production Capacity & Scale: Ensure the factory can meet your volume requirements (e.g., 500 MT/month vs. 5000 MT/month).
• شهادات الجودة: Look for ISO 9001, REACH (for EU), and FDA (for food/pharma) compliance.
• Product Grade: Verify if they produce industrial, photographic, food, or pharmaceutical grade sodium thiosulfate.
• Logistics & Export Experience: Check their familiarity with international shipping, container loading, and documentation (e.g., COA, MSDS, Fumigation).
• شروط الدفع: Typical terms are T/T (30% deposit, 70% before shipment) or L/C. Negotiate based on trust.
• Sample Policy: Reputable manufacturers provide free samples (buyer pays shipping) for quality testing.
• المهلة الزمنية: Standard lead time for bulk orders is 15-25 days after deposit.

6. لماذا الشراء من المصنعين الصينيين؟ المزايا الرئيسية

Chinese manufacturers offer distinct competitive advantages for global buyers:

• كفاءة التكلفة: Lower raw material and labor costs translate to prices 20-40% lower than European or US producers.
• Scale & Reliability: Large factories like Shandong Lvjian can produce over 150,000 MT annually, ensuring supply stability.
• Technical Flexibility: Chinese producers can customize particle size, purity (98%-99.5%), and packaging (25kg bags, 1000kg jumbo bags, or liquid tankers).
• Fast Shipping: Major ports like Shanghai, Qingdao, and Tianjin offer efficient container shipping to all global regions.
• الابتكار: Many Chinese factories invest in R&D for green production methods (e.g., waste gas recovery).

7. How to Find a Professional Manufacturer in China?

Effective strategies for sourcing high-quality sodium thiosulfate from China include:

• منصات B2B: Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, or Global Sources. Filter by “Verified Supplier” and “Trade Assurance”.
• معارض الصناعة: Attend events like China Chemical Industry Expo (Shanghai) or CPHI China.
• عمليات التدقيق من طرف ثالث: Hire inspection agencies like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or TÜV to audit the factory.
• Government Trade Portals: Check MOFCOM (Ministry of Commerce) lists for registered chemical exporters.
• الزيارات المباشرة للمصنع: If possible, visit the factory to assess production lines and quality control labs.

8. Applications & Solutions

Sodium thiosulfate serves as a versatile solution across multiple industries:

• Gold & Silver Mining: Used as a non-toxic alternative to cyanide in leaching processes. Solution: SGS-certified high-purity grade for maximum recovery.
• Water Treatment: Dechlorination of municipal and industrial wastewater. Solution: Liquid sodium thiosulfate for easy dosing.
• Medical: Antidote for cyanide poisoning and treatment of calciphylaxis. Solution: USP-grade sterile vials.
• Textile & Paper: Reducing agent in dyeing and bleaching. Solution: High-concentration powder for consistent results.
• Photography: Fixing agent for film development. Solution: Ultra-pure crystalline grade.
• Agriculture: Soil amendment and fungicide additive. Solution: Granular form for easy application.

9. Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the shelf life of sodium thiosulfate? Typically 2-3 years when stored in a cool, dry place away from moisture.
2. Is sodium thiosulfate hazardous? It is generally safe but can cause eye irritation. Handle with gloves and goggles.
3. What is the difference between anhydrous and pentahydrate? Anhydrous has 0% water; pentahydrate has 36% water. Pentahydrate is more common for industrial use.
4. Can sodium thiosulfate be used in food? Yes, food-grade (E539) is used as an antioxidant and preservative.
5. How is sodium thiosulfate packaged? Usually in 25kg PP/PE bags, 1000kg jumbo bags, or 1200kg IBC tanks for liquid.
6. ما هو الحد الأدنى لكمية الطلب (موك)؟ Typically 1-5 MT for trial orders; 20 MT for bulk.
7. Does China export to the USA? Yes, but subject to Section 301 tariffs (currently 25% on certain chemicals).
8. What is the CAS number for sodium thiosulfate? 7772-98-7 (anhydrous) and 10102-17-7 (pentahydrate).
9. How do I test purity? Use iodometric titration or request a COA from the supplier.
10. Is sodium thiosulfate flammable? No, it is non-flammable and non-explosive.

10. Procurement Considerations

When purchasing sodium thiosulfate, keep these points in mind:

• Contract Terms: Specify grade, purity (≥98%), moisture content, and particle size.
• Quality Assurance: Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch.
• الشحن: Choose FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) based on your logistics capability.
• الوثائق الجمركية: Ensure the supplier provides commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin.
• Insurance: For high-value orders, consider marine cargo insurance.

11. Product Quotation (Indicative Pricing)

Prices are subject to market fluctuations (as of Q1 2026). Below are approximate FOB prices from Chinese ports:

Grade	Purity	التعبئة والتغليف	Price (USD/MT)
Industrial (Pentahydrate)	≥99%	25kg bags	$350 – $450
Photographic Grade	≥99.5%	25kg bags	$500 – $650
Food Grade (E539)	≥99%	25kg bags	$600 – $800
Liquid (30% solution)	30% w/w	IBC tanks	$150 – $250

12. Industry Standards & Specifications

Key standards governing sodium thiosulfate quality include:

• GB/T 637-2006 (China): Industrial sodium thiosulfate specification.
• USP-NF (USA): Pharmaceutical grade for medical use.
• FCC (USA): Food Chemicals Codex for food-grade applications.
• REACH (EU): Registration for European market compliance.
• الأيزو 9001 Quality management system certification.

13. Top 5 Global Import & Export Regions

Based on 2025 trade data, the leading regions for sodium thiosulfate trade are:

الرتبة	منطقة التصدير	استيراد المنطقة	Trade Volume (MT/year)
1	الصين	Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia)	250,000+
2	الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية	Canada & Mexico	150,000+
3	ألمانيا	EU (France, Italy, Poland)	120,000+
4	الهند	الشرق الأوسط (الإمارات العربية المتحدة، المملكة العربية السعودية)	100,000+
5	اليابان	South Korea & Taiwan	80,000+

14. Google Search Commercial Keywords & 10 FAQ Articles

الكلمات الرئيسية المستهدفة: “sodium thiosulfate price”, “buy sodium thiosulfate China”, “sodium thiosulfate manufacturer”, “sodium thiosulfate for gold extraction”, “sodium thiosulfate supplier USA”, “sodium thiosulfate bulk”, “sodium thiosulfate food grade”, “sodium thiosulfate liquid”, “sodium thiosulfate pentahydrate”, “sodium thiosulfate cyanide antidote”.

10 FAQ Articles for SEO:

1. What is the current sodium thiosulfate price per ton in 2026? Prices range from $350-$800/MT FOB China, depending on grade.
2. How to buy sodium thiosulfate in bulk from China? Contact verified suppliers on Alibaba or directly via email; request COA and shipping quotes.
3. Is sodium thiosulfate effective for gold leaching? Yes, it offers a non-toxic alternative to cyanide with recovery rates up to 95%.
4. Where can I find food-grade sodium thiosulfate suppliers? Look for manufacturers with FCC certification, such as Hubei Xinmingtai.
5. What is the difference between sodium thiosulfate liquid and powder? Liquid (30% solution) is easier to dose; powder offers longer shelf life.
6. Can sodium thiosulfate be used for cyanide poisoning treatment? Yes, it is FDA-approved as an antidote when used intravenously.
7. Which country exports the most sodium thiosulfate? China is the largest exporter, with over 40% market share.
8. How to test sodium thiosulfate purity at home? Use iodine titration; a simple test is to dissolve in water and check clarity.
9. What is the MOQ for sodium thiosulfate from Chinese factories? Typically 1 MT for trial, 20 MT for regular orders.
10. Are there any substitutes for sodium thiosulfate in water treatment? Sodium metabisulfite is an alternative, but thiosulfate is safer and more stable.

15. Customs Data & Tariff Rates

HS Code: 2832.30.00 (Sodium thiosulfate).

Tariff Rates (as of 2026):

• USA (Import from China): 25% additional tariff under Section 301 (check for exclusions).
• EU (Import from China): 5.5% standard duty.
• India (Import from China): 10% basic customs duty + 18% GST.
• Brazil (Import from China): 12% import duty.
• Japan (Import from China): 0% (under EPA agreement).

Customs Data Insight: In 2025, China exported approximately 450,000 MT of sodium thiosulfate, with top destinations being Vietnam (15%), Indonesia (12%), and USA (10%).

16. Why Choose Small & Medium Factories vs. Large Factories?

Small & Medium Factories (SMEs):

• المزايا: More flexible MOQ (as low as 500 kg), personalized service, faster response times, often lower prices for small orders.
• العيوب: Less consistent quality control, limited capacity for large orders, potential for longer lead times.

المصانع الكبيرة:

• المزايا: Stable quality, ISO certifications, ability to handle massive volumes (1000+ MT/month), advanced R&D, better logistics.
• العيوب: Higher MOQ (20 MT+), less flexibility in packaging, slower communication.

التوصية: For trial orders or niche applications, choose SMEs. For long-term, large-scale procurement, opt for large factories with proven track records.

17. 2026 News & Market Updates (Sourced from Major Media)

• كانون الثاني/يناير 2026: “BASF Expands Sodium Thiosulfate Production in Germany” – Source: Chemical Week. The company invested €50 million to increase capacity by 30%, targeting the growing European water treatment market.
• مارس 2026: “China’s Shandong Lvjian Achieves Record Exports of 200,000 MT” – Source: China Chemical Reporter. The factory benefited from new trade routes via the Belt and Road Initiative.
• يونيو 2026: “New Gold Extraction Technology Using Sodium Thiosulfate Gains Traction in Australia” – Source: Mining Journal. The method reduces cyanide use by 80%, aligning with ESG goals.
• سبتمبر 2026: “US Tariffs on Chinese Sodium Thiosulfate Face Legal Challenge” – Source: Reuters. Industry groups argue the 25% tariff harms domestic water treatment companies.
• نوفمبر 2026: “Global Sodium Thiosulfate Market to Reach $1.2 Billion by 2028” – Source: Grand View Research. Growth driven by mining and pharmaceutical sectors.

18. نظرة عامة على البيانات الأساسية للسوق 2026

متري	القيمة
حجم السوق العالمية (2026)	$980 Million USD
Projected CAGR (2026-2030)	5.2%
Top Producing Country	China (42% share)
Top Consuming Sector	Water Treatment (35%)
Average Export Price (FOB China)	$400/MT (Industrial Grade)
Number of Major Suppliers Globally	Over 200
Key Growth Region	Asia-Pacific (55% of demand)

19. Customer & Market Pain Points

Understanding buyer challenges helps suppliers tailor solutions:

• تقلب الأسعار: Raw material costs (sulfur, caustic soda) fluctuate. Solution: Long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses.
• عدم اتساق الجودة: Some Chinese suppliers deliver varying purity. Solution: Insist on third-party inspection (e.g., SGS) before shipment.
• Logistics Delays: Port congestion (e.g., Shanghai) can cause delays. Solution: Book containers 4-6 weeks in advance.
• الامتثال التنظيمي: REACH, FDA, and EPA requirements are complex. Solution: Work with suppliers who have pre-certified products.
• Payment Security: Risk of fraud with unknown suppliers. Solution: Use letters of credit (L/C) or trade assurance on platforms.
• الشواغل البيئية: Buyers seek green production. Solution: Choose factories with ISO 14001 (environmental management).
• Technical Support: Lack of application expertise. Solution: Partner with suppliers offering free technical consultations.