f you’re sourcing sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) for mining, leather, or industrial use, price is almost certainly one of your first questions.
This guide gives you a realistic picture of what NaHS costs in 2026, what drives those prices up or down, and what to watch out for when comparing quotes from different suppliers.
NaHS Price Reference: 2026 Market Overview
Based on current market data, NaHS 70% flakes FOB China are trading in the following range in 2026:
| Grade | NaHS Content | Fe Content | Indicative FOB Price (USD/MT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Flakes | ≥ 70% | ≤ 30 ppm | $490 – $560 / MT |
| Top Quality Flakes | ≥ 70–72% | ≤ 15 ppm | $550 – $670 / MT |
| Liquid (32–43%) | 32–43% | — | $280 – $380 / MT |
Note: These are FOB China port prices. CIF or CFR pricing to your destination will be higher depending on freight, insurance, and port handling. Always confirm whether a quote is FOB, CFR, or CIF before comparing.
Why NaHS Prices Have Been Relatively Stable in 2025–2026
The global NaHS market was valued at approximately USD 580 million in 2024 and is growing at around 5% annually, driven by demand in mining, leather, and water treatment. Despite this growth, prices for standard-grade NaHS flakes have remained relatively stable from 2024 into 2026 for several reasons:
1. Ample Chinese production capacity China remains the dominant global producer of NaHS, with numerous manufacturers in Shandong, Sichuan, and other provinces. Competition among suppliers keeps prices competitive on standard grades.
2. NaOH and H₂S input costs have been moderate NaHS is produced by reacting hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) — often a byproduct from petroleum refining — with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). When refinery output stays steady and caustic soda prices are moderate, NaHS production costs remain manageable.
3. Demand growth is gradual, not sudden While mining and leather demand is growing in Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, it’s incremental rather than sudden — which prevents the demand spikes that drive sharp price increases.
5 Factors That Directly Affect the NaHS Price You’re Quoted
Understanding what moves the price helps you time purchases better and negotiate more effectively.
1. Grade and Purity
The most significant price variable is iron (Fe) content. Low-iron NaHS (≤ 15 ppm Fe) for copper flotation or leather applications commands a meaningful premium over standard-grade (≤ 30 ppm Fe). If your process doesn’t require ultra-low iron, specifying standard grade is the simplest way to reduce cost.
2. Order Volume
Like most bulk chemicals, NaHS pricing scales with volume. An order of 20–50 MT will carry a higher per-ton price than a contract for 200–500 MT per shipment. If you have predictable annual consumption, a blanket order or term contract with quarterly shipments typically delivers 5–10% savings versus spot buying.
3. Incoterms and Shipping Route
FOB quotes shift the freight cost to you. If your freight forwarder has strong China-to-Africa or China-to-South America rates, this may be more economical. For smaller buyers or those without freight infrastructure, CFR (Cost and Freight) to your destination port is simpler to budget.
Freight from China to major ports:
- South Africa (Durban): approximately $80–$130/MT for full container
- South America (Santos, Brazil): approximately $100–$150/MT
- Southeast Asia (Singapore, Indonesia): approximately $30–$60/MT
4. Packaging Format
NaHS 70% flakes are available in:
- 25 kg woven PP bags on pallets — standard for most buyers; easier handling
- 500 kg – 1,000 kg jumbo/big bags (FIBC) — lower packaging cost per MT; preferred for large mine sites
Jumbo bag pricing is typically $10–$20/MT lower than 25 kg bag pricing for the same grade.
5. Market Timing and Raw Material Cycles
The price of caustic soda (NaOH), one of the two main raw materials in NaHS production, goes through cyclical highs and lows tied to the chlor-alkali industry. When NaOH prices spike — as they have during periods of high PVC or aluminum production demand — NaHS prices typically follow within 4–8 weeks.
If you’re planning a large purchase, monitoring the Chinese caustic soda spot price gives you an early signal.
NaHS Flakes vs. Liquid: Which Is More Cost-Effective Per Unit of Active NaHS?
This comparison is more nuanced than the sticker price suggests.
A NaHS liquid at 32% concentration contains less than half the active NaHS per ton compared to 70% flakes. To compare costs meaningfully, calculate the cost per kg of actual NaHS:
Example calculation:
- 70% Flakes at $530/MT = $530 ÷ 0.70 = $757 per MT of pure NaHS
- 32% Liquid at $320/MT = $320 ÷ 0.32 = $1,000 per MT of pure NaHS
On a pure-NaHS basis, flakes are almost always more economical, particularly when shipped internationally. Liquid NaHS makes more economic sense only when:
- The mine or plant is close to the manufacturer (lower freight weight advantage of liquid diminishes)
- Automated dosing systems make liquid handling more efficient
- The buyer’s local port has restrictions on solid dangerous goods
How to Compare NaHS Quotes Properly
Not all $520/MT quotes are equal. Here’s a checklist for evaluating competing offers:
✅ Confirm the actual NaHS assay (not just “70% min”) Ask for recent mill certificates (CoA). Some suppliers ship product at 70.2% while others consistently hit 71.5–72%. Over a 500 MT contract, that difference adds up.
✅ Check the iron (Fe) spec Is it ≤ 30 ppm or ≤ 15 ppm? A lower-iron product may justify a higher headline price.
✅ Verify third-party inspection Reputable suppliers offer SGS or Bureau Veritas (BV) inspection at load port. If a supplier refuses third-party inspection, that’s a red flag.
✅ Understand the Na₂S content High Na₂S (above 3.5%) means more impurity and less effective NaHS per ton. Spec sheets should clearly state the Na₂S maximum.
✅ Ask about shelf life and packaging integrity NaHS flakes oxidize and absorb moisture when exposed to air. Confirm inner PE bag + outer woven PP bag with moisture-proof treatment, especially for long sea voyages to humid climates.
✅ Clarify payment terms and lead time Standard terms for established buyers: 30% T/T deposit, 70% against BL copy. Lead time from Chinese factories is typically 7–15 days production + 3–5 days shipping arrangement.
Is the Price of NaHS Going Up in 2026?
Several factors point to modest upward pressure on NaHS prices through 2026:
Mining demand is growing. Zambia has publicly targeted 1 million tons of copper production, and broader African copper expansion continues to absorb NaHS reagent supply. Latin American copper and lithium projects are also ramping up.
Tighter environmental regulations in China are increasing compliance costs for chemical manufacturers, which tends to push prices up gradually.
The global NaHS market is projected to reach USD 920 million by 2033, implying sustained demand growth that will gradually tighten supply-demand balance.
That said, major price spikes are not currently anticipated unless there is a significant disruption to caustic soda supply or a sudden acceleration in copper demand.
Practical takeaway: If you have a large purchase planned for H2 2026, locking in a term contract now at current prices is likely a better strategy than buying spot later in the year.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Specific Requirements
Pricing is always volume-dependent and destination-specific. Rather than working from a range, the most useful next step is to send your exact requirements to a manufacturer and get a firm offer.
To get an accurate quote from COTEC, it helps to specify:
- Required grade (standard 70% or top quality 70%/72%, Fe ≤ 15 ppm)
- Volume per shipment and estimated annual consumption
- Destination port
- Packaging preference (25 kg bags or jumbo bags)
- Preferred Incoterms (FOB, CFR, CIF)
We respond to all inquiries within 24 business hours and can provide SGS-verified samples before any commercial order.
