Global Sodium Nitrite Market Overview
Sodium Nitrite Market size is projected to reach approximately USD 0.2416 Billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 3.9% from 2024 to 2032.

Sodium nitrite is an antioxidant and a salt used to cure meat like hot dogs, bacon, and ham. This salt hampers the growth of botulism-causing bacteria and averts spoilage. In addition, it provides cured meats with their characteristic flavor and color. It is coded as E250 by the European Union (EU). The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) expert committee on food additives has statedan acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 0-0.06 mg/kg. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) specifications state that sodium nitrite content should not exceed 200ppm in finished products. Using sodium nitrite is banned in countries including Sweden, Norway, Germany, and Canada.
COVID-19 Impact Analysis
The impact of COVID-19 has negatively affected the distribution and sales of different products across several industries. Many countries worldwide are under lockdown and have sealed their borders to control the spread of the virus. The impact of COVID-19 on logistics has disturbed the supply of raw materials. Owing to this, the production capacity has decreased and, thus, there is a shortage of products. These factors are likely to cause a price rise in products in the short run.
The supply chain of the sodium nitrate market comprises manufacturers, distributors, and end user. The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the supply chain, as many countries are under lockdown and have sealed their borders to control the spread of the virus. The global economy is struggling with the pandemic situation currently. Due to this, it has impacted the global sodium nitrate market. The impact is growing owing to the rapid weakening of global investment flows. Moreover, the government has imposed strict containment and preventive measures in several countries for controlling the impact of the outbreak. This has led to a significant restriction in transportation, driving a knock-on effect globally. These effects are expected to continue owing to the uncertainty in the global market and measures to address the supply/demand imbalance.
However, the demand for sodium nitrateis expected to experience a positive impact as the consumers are demanding natural and healthy food owing to the COVID. This has resulted in the rising demand for sodium nitratein recent years. This, in turn, has helped in the growth of the global sodium nitrate market.
Market Dynamics
The global sodium nitrite market has witnessed moderate growth in recent years. The anti-meat spoilage potency of sodium nitrite also fights the effects of bacterial overgrowth that leads to unfavorable meat characteristics like undesirable meat odor, rancidity in meat products, and unacceptable flavor. The increasing adoption of organic farming practices across the globe is also creating an opportunistic market for the players which are offering sodium nitrite for fertilizer applications.
Drivers
The growing demand for organic products worldwide has led small-scale farmers in developing economies to implement organic farming practices. Growth is especially high in emerging economies such as Brazil, China,India, and Argentina, owing to the rising awareness among farmers about the hazards of chemical fertilizers. Considerable investments are being made in organic production in these countries in an effort to shift away from conventional farming practices. In Asia-Pacific, there was a large market for organic packaged food products in Japan and South Korea. However, there have been substantial developments in countries including China and India recently. The focus of the agricultural sector in such countries is shifting from exports to consumption of domestic products. Support of government for promoting organic farming also plays animportant role. In Thailand, the government launched a large-scale project in 2017 for farmers to receive financial support for buying organic seeds, reducing their dependence on pesticides, and building physical barriers to prevent contamination from neighboring farmlands. This scheme was launched with the aim to reduce the area of standard rice cultivation by 1m rai (160,000 ha) by 2022. Thus, a shift to organic farming practices in emerging economies offers lucrative growth opportunities to market players.
Restraint
Excessive consumption of sodium nitrate causes many health problems such as colorectal cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, heart disease, leukemia, and stomach, ovarian, pancreatic, esophageal, and thyroid cancers. Sodium nitrate is used as a preservative in the production of some processed meats, such as jerky, bacon, and luncheon meats. This can lead toan increase inthe risk of heart disease. Nitrates can also affect the way body uses sugar, which may develop diabetes. These health-related risks of excessive use of sodium nitrate can be a restraining factor for the global sodium nitrate market.
Opportunity
Rapid changes in consumer tastes and preferences in recent years, along with the changing lifestyles,have created a high dependency on convenience snacks such as hot dogs and bacon. The trend of consuming convenience snacks took place in western countries and has spread in other regions rapidly.
Segmentations
By Grade
Based on grade, the global sodium nitrite market has been divided into food-grade and industrial grade. The food-grade segment accounted for the largest market share in 2020 and is expected to rise at a decentrate during the forecast period. The increasing product demand from the food industry for food preservation is likely to drive the demand for foodgrades.
By Application
By application, the global sodium nitrite market has been segmented as food processing, fertilizer, pharmaceutical, rubber processing, and others. The food processing segment recorded the largest market share in 2020 and is expected to rise at a decent pace during the forecast period. The increasing demand to inhibit the growth of bacterial spores that causes botulism is anticipated to drive the demand for sodium nitrite for food processing application.
Global Sodium Nitrite Market Share, by Region, 2020 (%)
Sources: MRFR Analysis
Regional Analysis
By region, the global sodium nitrite market has been divided into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Rest of the World.North America held the largest market share in 2020. Asia-Pacific is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR during the review period.
North America dominated the global sodium nitrite market in 2020 and is also expected to dominate the market during the forecast period. The increasing preference forready-to-eat food products is likely to drive the demand for the sodium nitrite industry during the forecast period. Furthermore, high meat demand in the US is expectedto support the growth of the sodium nitrite. According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), red meat and poultry consumption was 222.4 pounds on a per capita retail weight basis.
Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest pace during the forecast period. The growth of the sodium nitrite market in the Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to be driven by various factors, with countries such as China, Japan, and India are majorly driving the growth owing to several factors such as rising per capita disposable income coupled with a shift in taste and preference for international food cuisines. China has accounted for the significant market share in the Asia-pacific market of sodium nitrite in 2024 and estimated to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period.
Competitive Landscape
The market comprises tier-1, tier-2, and local players. The tier-1 and tier-2 players have reach across the globe with diverse product portfolios. Companies such asBASF SE (Germany)and Shandong Haihua Group (China)dominate the global sodium nitrite market due to product differentiation, financial stability, strategic developments, and diversified regional presence. The players are focused on investing in R&D. Furthermore, they adopt strategic growth initiatives, such as expansion, product launches, joint ventures, and partnerships, to strengthen their market position and capture a large customer base.
Prominent players in the global sodium nitrite market are BASF SE (Germany), Airedale Chemical (UK), SNDB (India), Shandong Haihua Group (China), Shandong Xin Hao Chemical Co., Ltd (China), Radiant Indus Chem Pvt. Ltd (India), Nilkanth Organics (India), Yingfengyuan Industrial Group Limited (China), SINOY GROUP LIMITED (China), Anmol Chemicals (India), and The Deepak Group (India).
Recent Trends
Market Consolidation A handful of major players control the sodium nitrite market, prompting strategic acquisitions and mergers to broaden their market presence. While no significant acquisitions have occurred recently, companies such as BASF and The Deepak Group remain vigilant for growth prospects.
Sustainability Focus The sodium nitrite sector is increasingly prioritizing sustainable manufacturing practices. Companies are dedicating resources to research and development aimed at reducing environmental footprint throughout the production process.
Scope of the Report
Sodium nitrite, by Grade
Sodium nitrite, by Application
Sodium nitrite, by Region
Recent Development
- Q2 2024: BASF launches eco-friendly sodium nitrite formulation for food and pharmaceutical sectors BASF announced the launch of a new eco-friendly sodium nitrite product designed to reduce environmental impact in food preservation and pharmaceutical synthesis, addressing regulatory and sustainability concerns in major markets.
- Q2 2024: Baltimore Bridge collapse disrupts sodium nitrite supply chain in North America The collapse of the Baltimore Bridge in Q2 2024 caused significant logistical disruptions for sodium nitrite shipments, impacting supply chains and leading to temporary shortages for manufacturers in the region.
- Q2 2024: BASF expands sodium nitrite production capacity in Ludwigshafen, Germany BASF announced the completion of a new production line for sodium nitrite at its Ludwigshafen facility, increasing output to meet rising demand from the food and pharmaceutical industries in Europe.
- Q1 2024: Deepak Nitrite Limited secures major contract for sodium nitrite supply to European food processor Deepak Nitrite Limited signed a multi-year supply agreement with a leading European food processing company, strengthening its position in the international sodium nitrite market.
- Q2 2024: Santa Cruz Biotechnology launches high-purity sodium nitrite for pharmaceutical research Santa Cruz Biotechnology introduced a new high-purity sodium nitrite product aimed at pharmaceutical research applications, targeting drug synthesis and laboratory use.
- Q2 2024: Shandong Hailong Chemical Co., Ltd. opens new sodium nitrite manufacturing facility in Shandong Province Shandong Hailong Chemical Co., Ltd. inaugurated a new manufacturing plant dedicated to sodium nitrite production, expanding its capacity to serve growing demand in Asia-Pacific.
- Q1 2025: Chemtrade Logistics appoints new CEO to lead sodium nitrite business expansion Chemtrade Logistics announced the appointment of a new CEO, with a strategic focus on expanding its sodium nitrite operations and strengthening its market presence in North America.
- Q2 2025: Merck KGaA partners with European food safety authority for sodium nitrite regulatory compliance initiative Merck KGaA entered into a partnership with a European food safety authority to develop new standards and testing protocols for sodium nitrite use in food processing, aiming to enhance regulatory compliance and consumer safety.
- Q2 2024: Airedale Chemical wins contract to supply sodium nitrite to UK water treatment plants Airedale Chemical secured a contract to supply sodium nitrite to several UK municipal water treatment facilities, supporting efforts to improve water quality and safety.
- Q1 2025: Radiant Indus Chem Pvt. Ltd. announces expansion of sodium nitrite export operations to Middle East Radiant Indus Chem Pvt. Ltd. revealed plans to expand its sodium nitrite export business, targeting new customers in the Middle East following regulatory approvals.
- Q2 2025: YingFeng Yuan Industrial Group Limited signs partnership with Japanese distributor for sodium nitrite YingFeng Yuan Industrial Group Limited entered a strategic partnership with a major Japanese distributor to supply sodium nitrite for food and industrial applications, expanding its reach in East Asia.
- Q2 2024: Ural Chem JSC receives Russian government approval for new sodium nitrite production technology Ural Chem JSC obtained regulatory approval from Russian authorities for its innovative sodium nitrite production process, aimed at improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Intended Audience
Report Attribute/Metric |
Details |
Market Size |
USD 0.2416 Billion |
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) |
3.9% (2024-2032) |
Base Year |
2023 |
Market Forecast Period |
2024-2032 |
Historical Data |
2020- 2022 |
Market Forecast Units |
Value (USD Billion) |
Report Coverage |
Revenue Forecast, Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends |
Segments Covered |
By Grade and Application |
Geographies Covered |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World |
Countries Covered |
The US, Canada, Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea |
Key Companies Profiled |
BASF SE (Germany), Airedale Chemical (UK), SNDB (India), Shandong Haihua Group (China), Shandong Xin Hao Chemical Co., Ltd (China), Radiant Indus Chem Pvt. Ltd(India), Nilkanth Organics (India), Yingfengyuan Industrial Group Limited (China), SINOY GROUP LIMITED (China), Anmol Chemicals (India), and The Deepak Group (India) |
Key Market Opportunities |
Increasing Adoption of Organic Farming Practices in Emerging Economies Covers |
Key Market Dynamics |
Increasing Demand for Convenience Snacks |
Sodium Nitrite Market Highlights:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
The study period of the global sodium nitrite market is 2024– 232.
The global sodium nitrite market is projected to register a CAGR of ~3.9% over the next sevenyears.
BASF SE (Germany) and Shandong Haihua Group (China)are the major companies operating in the global sodium nitrite market.
North America heldthe largest share in 2023.
Asia-Pacificis expected to register the highest CAGR during 2024– 2032.