Since 2026, China’s sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) industry has shown steady demand in traditional segments and rapid growth in high-grade and emerging sectors. With expanding demand across food, pharma, environmental protection and new energy, plus the phase-out of outdated capacity, the industry is shifting from price competition to value competition. Products with high purity, batch consistency and international certifications gain clear advantages.

In traditional applications, food-grade sodium bicarbonate serves as a key leavening and acidity regulator in baking, beverages and meat processing, with stable growth. Pharma-grade sodium bicarbonate is used in dialysis solutions, oral formulations and disinfectants. Driven by localization, its market growth reaches 10.5% with strong export premiums. Industrial-grade sodium bicarbonate is widely used in flue gas desulfurization, water treatment, rubber and textile printing. Under stricter environmental rules, dry desulfurization has become a mainstream solution for ultra-low emissions in steel and power plants.

Emerging sectors stand out: in new energy, sodium bicarbonate acts as a pH adjuster in lithium battery electrolytes, directly affecting stability and lifespan. Demand rises rapidly with energy storage and EV capacity expansion. In carbon reduction and circular economy, it supports CCUS and industrial salt recycling, helping clients cut costs and emissions. Feed-grade sodium bicarbonate acts as a rumen buffer for ruminants, improving feed conversion, with ongoing orders from Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

For exports, China’s sodium bicarbonate benefits from large capacity, cost advantages and full certifications (FDA, FSSC 22000, ISO 22000). Exports exceeded 1 million tons in 2025. In 2026, shipments to ASEAN, the Middle East and South America keep growing. High-grade pharma/electronic grades see export prices up 10%+ year-on-year.