Sodium Citrate Prices Rose in Q1 2026

Sodium citrate prices saw an increase across all five tracked markets during the first quarter of 2026. Pharmaceutical formulators, packaged food converters, and beverage producers drove demand, while tightening export windows and disciplined producer offers supported the upward trend through March.

According to a report by market analysis firm IMARC Group, prices increased between 2.4% and 7.3% quarter-over-quarter. China experienced the steepest rise, with sodium citrate prices reaching $828 per metric ton (MT), a 7.2% increase. Argentina saw a 4.3% rise, bringing prices to $1215 per MT, the highest absolute level among all tracked markets.

Other major markets also saw price increases. In the United States, prices rose 3.5% to $933 per MT. Germany's prices increased by 2.3% to $860 per MT, and India's prices were up 3.6% to $1037 per MT. The price hikes were attributed to demand growth in the food and pharmaceutical sectors, coupled with rising production costs, including raw materials and energy.

The surge in crude oil prices, with Brent topping $106 per barrel in late April 2026, added upstream cost pressure to petrochemical markets, further supporting the price of sodium citrate. The report highlighted supply chain stability and producer output management as key factors influencing the price increase.