SOP Price Trend in China 2026 | Price Trends, Forecast, Chart, Prices and Index

The SOP Price Trend in China is an important topic for fertilizer manufacturers, agricultural businesses, distributors, and procurement professionals who want to understand changes in fertilizer costs. SOP, also known as potassium sulfate, is a potassium-based fertilizer used to support plant growth and improve crop development. 

Its market price depends on several factors, including raw material costs, production expenses, agricultural demand, export activity, energy prices, and transportation conditions.

In Q2 2026, the Chinese SOP market experienced a strong upward movement, with domestic agricultural-grade potassium sulfate prices increasing by approximately 16% during the quarter. Higher muriate of potash (MOP) and sulfuric acid costs increased manufacturing expenses, while tighter domestic availability and steady agricultural demand supported prices. 

Supply disruptions affecting sulfur and sulfuric acid movements also added pressure during April and May. Looking ahead, the global SOP market is expected to face mildly bearish to bearish conditions in Q3 2026 as raw material costs ease, supply remains comfortable in some regions, and fertilizer buyers continue to purchase cautiously. These changing conditions make it important to follow SOP Prices, historical market movements, and updated forecasts.

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What Is SOP and Why Is It Important?

Potassium sulfate, commonly known as SOP, is a fertilizer that provides potassium and sulfur to crops. Potassium supports several important plant functions, including water regulation, nutrient movement, and crop development. Sulfur also plays a role in plant growth and protein formation.

SOP is particularly useful for crops that require potassium but may be sensitive to the chloride content found in some alternative potassium fertilizers. It is used in different agricultural applications depending on soil conditions, crop requirements, and farming practices.

China is an important producer and supplier in the global potassium sulfate market. Changes in Chinese production costs, domestic agricultural demand, and export availability can influence prices in other markets.

For buyers, understanding the SOP Price Trend in China is useful because local prices are connected to both domestic conditions and international supply chains. A change in raw material costs or export activity can affect the price offered by manufacturers and the purchasing decisions of distributors.

SOP Price Trend in China During Q2 2026

The Chinese SOP market recorded a significant increase during Q2 2026. Domestic agricultural-grade SOP prices rose by approximately 16% over the quarter, reflecting higher production costs and relatively tight availability.

One of the main reasons for this increase was the rising cost of muriate of potash and sulfuric acid. These materials are important inputs in the Mannheim production route used to manufacture potassium sulfate. When their prices increase, manufacturers face higher expenses, which can put upward pressure on their selling prices.

Supply conditions also played an important role. Chinese export volumes tightened amid stricter quality controls, while domestic agricultural demand remained firm. When buyers require material but available supplies are limited, sellers may have greater flexibility to maintain or increase their offers.

Geopolitical tensions affecting the Middle East also contributed to cost pressure during April and May. Disruptions to sulfur and sulfuric acid movements, including concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, affected market sentiment and increased uncertainty about feedstock availability.

By June, the market continued to show upward momentum, although the monthly increase was much smaller than the quarterly movement. Chinese domestic SOP prices increased by 0.4% compared with May 2026.

This modest monthly increase suggested that prices remained firm even as broader market sentiment began to improve following the mid-June ceasefire. The Q2 movement demonstrates how raw material expenses, product availability, and geopolitical developments can influence the Chinese SOP market.

Major Factors Affecting SOP Prices in China

Several factors influence SOP Prices in China. Understanding these factors can help businesses evaluate market movements and make better purchasing decisions.

1. Muriate of Potash Costs

Muriate of potash, commonly known as MOP, is an important raw material for SOP production through the Mannheim process. Changes in MOP prices can influence the overall cost of manufacturing potassium sulfate.

When MOP prices rise, manufacturers may experience increased production expenses. Depending on market demand and competition, these higher costs can lead to stronger SOP offers.

When MOP prices decline, production costs may ease. However, the effect on SOP prices depends on inventory levels, existing supply contracts, other production expenses, and the speed at which manufacturers adjust their prices.

For this reason, monitoring MOP prices can provide useful insight into the possible direction of the Chinese SOP market.

2. Sulfuric Acid and Sulfur Costs

Sulfur and sulfuric acid are also important to the SOP production process. Changes in their availability and prices can affect manufacturing economics.

During Q2 2026, supply disruptions affecting sulfur and sulfuric acid movements increased cost pressure on Chinese producers. Geopolitical tensions and uncertainty around shipping routes made the supply situation more challenging during parts of the quarter.

When sulfur and sulfuric acid become more expensive, manufacturers may need to adjust their selling prices to manage higher costs. If these inputs become more readily available and prices decline, some of the production pressure may ease.

However, raw material price changes do not always pass through immediately to finished fertilizer prices. Inventory positions, purchasing contracts, and market demand can delay the impact.

3. Domestic Agricultural Demand

Agricultural demand is another major factor affecting SOP Prices in China. Fertilizer purchasing activity often changes according to planting schedules, crop requirements, and seasonal farming conditions.

When farmers and distributors prepare for an important agricultural season, they may increase purchases to ensure sufficient fertilizer availability. This can support market prices, particularly when supply is limited.

In Q2 2026, firm domestic agricultural demand helped support the Chinese SOP market. If demand remains stable, it can help manufacturers maintain their offers even when some input costs begin to ease.

On the other hand, cautious purchasing or weaker agricultural demand may increase competition among sellers and put downward pressure on prices.

4. Production Costs and Energy Prices

SOP manufacturing requires energy, equipment, labor, and other operating inputs. Changes in natural gas, electricity, and other energy costs can affect production expenses.

Higher energy costs can reduce manufacturers' operating flexibility and increase the cost of producing each tonne of fertilizer. When energy expenses decline, production economics may improve.

Energy prices can also affect competing fertilizer products and international suppliers. As a result, businesses should consider energy costs alongside raw material prices when evaluating the SOP Price Trend in China.

5. Export Availability and Quality Controls

China's export activity is an important part of the international SOP supply chain. When export volumes decline, overseas buyers may have fewer purchasing options.

Stricter quality controls, changes in production rates, and domestic demand can influence the amount of material available for export. During Q2 2026, tighter Chinese export availability contributed to a firmer regional market.

If export availability improves in the coming months, international buyers may receive more competitive offers. If supplies remain restricted, prices may receive additional support despite weaker demand in some regions.

6. Geopolitical Developments and Logistics

Geopolitical developments can affect the supply of raw materials, shipping routes, insurance expenses, and transportation costs. These factors are particularly important for industries that depend on international trade.

Disruptions affecting major shipping routes can delay deliveries and increase uncertainty about future supply. Buyers may respond by securing material earlier or holding additional inventory.

When geopolitical tensions ease and transportation conditions improve, some of these additional costs may decline. This can help stabilize the market and reduce pressure on fertilizer prices.

Global SOP Price Trend During Q2 2026

The global SOP market experienced a generally firm trend during Q2 2026, although the strength of the increase varied by region.

In China, domestic ex-works prices increased by approximately 16% during the quarter. FOB Tianjin values recorded a much sharper increase of around 42.7%, reflecting the different conditions affecting export prices and domestic market quotations.

European markets also strengthened. SOP prices at FOB Hamburg and Antwerp increased by approximately 10.5% to 10.7% during the quarter. Higher energy-related production costs and steady demand from fertilizer blenders supported prices.

The difference between domestic Chinese and export prices highlights the importance of considering the price basis when comparing market data. Ex-works prices represent the product price at the production facility, while FOB prices account for different delivery responsibilities associated with export shipments.

Freight, export availability, quality requirements, and international demand can cause export prices to move differently from domestic prices.

For buyers, comparing prices on a consistent basis is essential. A domestic quotation cannot automatically be treated as equivalent to an export quotation because additional costs and commercial terms may differ.

SOP Price Forecast for Q3 2026

The global SOP market outlook for Q3 2026 is mildly bearish to bearish, with high confidence in the overall forecast direction.

The expected downward pressure comes from several factors. Raw material costs are expected to ease, supply conditions are comfortable in some markets, and fertilizer buyers are taking a more cautious approach to procurement.

Asia may experience greater price weakness because of competitive export offers and changing supply-demand conditions. If suppliers compete more actively for orders, buyers may gain access to lower quotations.

Europe and North America are expected to experience gradual price corrections. Balanced inventory levels and need-based purchasing may limit the ability of sellers to increase prices.

For China, the outlook will depend on how quickly production costs change and whether domestic demand and export availability remain supportive. If MOP and sulfuric acid costs decline while product availability improves, manufacturers may face greater pressure to reduce their offers.

However, a bearish forecast does not guarantee that prices will fall every month. Changes in raw material availability, plant operating rates, export activity, and geopolitical conditions could alter the expected direction.

Businesses should therefore monitor actual market developments alongside the forecast rather than relying on the outlook alone.

SOP Price Chart: Understanding Market Movements

An SOP Price Chart helps buyers understand how potassium sulfate prices change over time. By reviewing monthly and quarterly movements, businesses can identify periods of rising production costs, stronger demand, or improving supply conditions.

The Q2 2026 figures provide useful reference points for the Chinese market:

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  Q2 2026: Domestic agricultural-grade SOP prices in China increased by approximately 16%.
  
  

  
  


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  June 2026: Domestic SOP prices increased by 0.4% compared with May.
  
  

  
  


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  Q2 2026 export market: FOB Tianjin values increased by approximately 42.7%.

  
  

These figures show that domestic and export prices experienced different degrees of movement. The stronger increase in FOB Tianjin values indicates that export-market conditions differed from those in the domestic market.

When reviewing an SOP Price Chart, buyers should pay attention to the product grade, quotation basis, location, currency, and reporting period. Comparing agricultural-grade prices with other specifications or comparing ex-works prices with FOB prices without adjustments can lead to incorrect conclusions.

Historical charts are also useful for evaluating seasonal changes and comparing present conditions with earlier periods. When combined with information about MOP, sulfuric acid, energy costs, and export availability, a chart can provide a more complete picture of the market.

Understanding the SOP Price Index

The SOP Price Index is a useful way to track changes in potassium sulfate prices over a selected period. An index summarizes market movements according to its methodology and the prices included in its calculation.

For manufacturers and procurement teams, index data can support budgeting, purchasing reviews, and cost comparisons. It can also help businesses identify whether market prices are strengthening or moving into a correction phase.

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However, an index must be interpreted according to its coverage. A Chinese domestic ex-works index may show a different movement from an export index based on FOB Tianjin prices. This difference can result from freight conditions, export demand, domestic availability, and other commercial factors.

The Q2 2026 market movement demonstrates why it is useful to examine both domestic and export indicators rather than relying on a single number.

Businesses can use the SOP Price Index alongside historical charts, supplier quotations, and raw material benchmarks to develop a clearer understanding of market conditions.

How Buyers Can Prepare for Changing SOP Prices

Businesses purchasing SOP can take several practical steps to manage changing market conditions.

First, monitor MOP and sulfuric acid prices. These inputs can influence production costs and may provide early indications of changing supplier offers.

Second, follow Chinese domestic demand and export availability. Changes in production, quality controls, and export volumes can affect both local and international market prices.

Third, review inventory levels and purchasing requirements. When supply is comfortable and prices are expected to soften, buyers may have more flexibility in negotiating quotations. However, purchase timing should also account for delivery schedules and the risk of unexpected supply disruptions.

Fourth, compare supplier offers using the same product grade and price basis. Freight, packaging, quality specifications, payment terms, and delivery schedules can all affect the total purchasing cost.

Finally, use updated forecasts and historical price information when planning procurement. An SOP Price Chart and SOP Price Index can help businesses identify broader market movements and make more informed decisions.

The SOP Price Trend in China recorded a strong upward movement during Q2 2026, with domestic agricultural-grade potassium sulfate prices increasing by approximately 16%. Higher MOP and sulfuric acid costs, firm agricultural demand, tighter export availability, and geopolitical disruptions contributed to the increase. In June, prices rose by a more modest 0.4% compared with May as market sentiment began to improve.

Looking ahead, the global SOP market is expected to experience mildly bearish to bearish conditions during Q3 2026. Easing raw material costs, comfortable supply in some regions, and cautious fertilizer procurement may put downward pressure on prices. However, the actual direction of Chinese SOP prices will depend on domestic demand, export activity, production costs, and logistics conditions.

By monitoring SOP Prices, the SOP Price Chart, and the SOP Price Index, businesses can better understand market movements and prepare for potential changes. Combining historical data with raw material benchmarks, supply information, and updated forecasts can help manufacturers, distributors, and procurement professionals make better-informed purchasing decisions.

About Price Watch™

Price Watch™ is an India-based, independent raw material price reporting agency that provides real-time price forecasts and data-driven insights into global raw material markets. Price Watch™ specializes in tracking raw material prices, analyzing market trends, and delivering timely updates on plant shutdowns, supply disruptions, capacity expansions, and demand-supply dynamics.

The Price Watch™ platform empowers manufacturers, traders, and procurement professionals to make faster, smarter decisions. Leveraging AI-powered forecasting and over a decade of historical data, Price Watch™ transforms market volatility into actionable opportunity.

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