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.

Classificação	Nome da empresa	País	Estimated Annual Capacity (MT)
1	BASF SE	Alemanha	120,000+
2	Solvay S.A.	Bélgica	100,000+
3	Nouryon (formerly AkzoNobel Specialty Chemicals)	Países Baixos	90,000+
4	Calabrian Corporation	EUA	80,000+
5	Esseco Group	Itália	70,000+
6	Mitsubishi Chemical Group	Japão	60,000+
7	Shandong Shouguang Lvjian Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	150,000+
8	Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	120,000+
9	Nafine Indústria química Group Co., Ltd.	China	100,000+
10	Changsha Shengyang Chemical Co., Ltd.	China	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.

Classificação	Nome da empresa	Localização (Província)	Key Product Grade
1	Shandong Shouguang Lvjian Chemical Co., Ltd.	Shandong	Industrial & Photographic
2	Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hubei	Industrial & Food Grade
3	Nafine Chemical Industry Group Co., Ltd.	Shanxi	Grau industrial
4	Changsha Shengyang Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hunan	Photographic & Medical
5	Zhenjiang Jinshan Chemical Co., Ltd.	Jiangsu	Industrial & Water Treatment
6	Tianjin Bohai Chemical Co., Ltd.	Tianjin	Grau industrial
7	Hebei Yuhuan Chemical Co., Ltd.	Hebei	Industrial & Mining
8	Jinan Haohua Industry Co., Ltd.	Shandong	Industrial & Têxtil
9	Wuhan Yuancheng Technology Development Co., Ltd.	Hubei	Grau farmacêutico
10	Nantong Feiyu Chemical Co., Ltd.	Jiangsu	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.

Empresa	País	Contacto por e-mail	Tipo de produto
BASF SE	Alemanha	infoservice@basf.com	Industrial, Pharma
Solvay S.A.	Bélgica	sodium.thiosulfate@solvay.com	Industrial, Mining
Nouryon	Países Baixos	chemicals.info@nouryon.com	Industrial, Water Treatment
Calabrian Corporation	EUA	sales@calabrian.com	Industrial, Food Grade
Esseco Group	Itália	info@sodio.it	Industrial, Photographic
Shandong Lvjian Chemical	China	export@lvjianchem.com	Industrial, Mining
Hubei Xinmingtai Chemical	China	sales@xinmingtai.com	Industrial, Food Grade
Nafine Chemical	China	export@nafine.com	Grau industrial

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).
• Certificações de qualidade: 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).
• Condições de pagamento: 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.
• Lead Time: Standard lead time for bulk orders is 15-25 days after deposit.

6. Porquê comprar a fabricantes chineses? Principais vantagens

Chinese manufacturers offer distinct competitive advantages for global buyers:

• Eficiência de custos: 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.
• Inovação: 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:

• Plataformas B2B: Use Alibaba, Made-in-China, or Global Sources. Filter by “Verified Supplier” and “Trade Assurance”.
• Industry Exhibitions: Attend events like China Chemical Industry Expo (Shanghai) or CPHI China.
• Auditorias de terceiros: 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.
• Direct Factory Visits: 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.
• Tratamento da água: 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. Qual é a quantidade mínima de encomenda (MOQ)? 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:

• Termos do contrato: Specify grade, purity (≥98%), moisture content, and particle size.
• Garantia de qualidade: Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA) for each batch.
• Shipping: Choose FOB (Free on Board) or CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) based on your logistics capability.
• Customs Documentation: Ensure the supplier provides commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, and certificate of origin.
• Seguro: 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:

Grau	Pureza	Embalagem	Price (USD/MT)
Industrial (Pentahydrate)	≥99%	Sacos de 25 kg	$350 – $450
Photographic Grade	≥99.5%	Sacos de 25 kg	$500 – $650
Food Grade (E539)	≥99%	Sacos de 25 kg	$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 (UE): Registration for European market compliance.
• ISO 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:

Classificação	Região de exportação	Região de importação	Trade Volume (MT/year)
1	China	Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia)	250,000+
2	EUA	Canada & Mexico	150,000+
3	Alemanha	EU (France, Italy, Poland)	120,000+
4	Índia	Médio Oriente (EAU, Arábia Saudita)	100,000+
5	Japão	South Korea & Taiwan	80,000+

14. Google Search Commercial Keywords & 10 FAQ Articles

Target Keywords: “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

Código HS: 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):

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

Grandes fábricas:

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

Recomendação: 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)

• janeiro de 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.
• março de 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.
• junho de 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.
• setembro de 2026: “US Tariffs on Chinese Sodium Thiosulfate Face Legal Challenge” – Source: Reuters. Industry groups argue the 25% tariff harms domestic water treatment companies.
• novembro de 2026: “Global Sodium Thiosulfate Market to Reach $1.2 Billion by 2028” – Source: Grand View Research. Growth driven by mining and pharmaceutical sectors.

18. Visão geral dos dados principais do mercado de 2026

Métrica	Valor
Dimensão do mercado mundial (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	Mais de 200
Key Growth Region	Asia-Pacific (55% of demand)

19. Customer & Market Pain Points

Understanding buyer challenges helps suppliers tailor solutions:

• Volatilidade dos preços: Raw material costs (sulfur, caustic soda) fluctuate. Solution: Long-term contracts with price adjustment clauses.
• Inconsistência de qualidade: Some Chinese suppliers deliver varying purity. Solution: Insist on third-party inspection (e.g., SGS) before shipment.
• Atrasos logísticos: Port congestion (e.g., Shanghai) can cause delays. Solution: Book containers 4-6 weeks in advance.
• Conformidade regulamentar: REACH, FDA, and EPA requirements are complex. Solution: Work with suppliers who have pre-certified products.
• Segurança de pagamento: Risk of fraud with unknown suppliers. Solution: Use letters of credit (L/C) or trade assurance on platforms.
• Preocupações ambientais: 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.