Last updated: July 2026 · Reading time: 9 min
SDIC (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate) pricing in 2026 has entered a new stability window after two years of volatility. For global buyers planning Q3-Q4 procurement, understanding the FOB China price structure, raw material dynamics, and total landed cost (TCO) is the difference between a profitable order and a margin squeeze. This guide breaks down every cost layer and gives you the negotiation ammunition to secure the best deal.
1. Current SDIC FOB China Price Range (July 2026)
| Grade | Available Content | FOB Qingdao (USD/MT) | MOQ |
|---|---|---|---|
| SDIC Powder 56% | 56% min | $1,850 – $2,050 | 1 MT |
| SDIC Powder 60% | 60% min | $1,950 – $2,150 | 1 MT |
| SDIC Granular 56% | 56% min | $1,900 – $2,100 | 1 MT |
| SDIC Tablets 60% (1g/2.7g/20g) | 60% min | $2,150 – $2,400 | 500 kg |
| Effervescent SDIC Tablets | 50% min | $2,400 – $2,750 | 500 kg |
These ranges reflect quotes collected across 12 major producers in Hebei, Shandong, and Jiangsu clusters. Prices assume standard 25 kg HDPE drum packing, one-time shipment, and non-branded label.
2. Cost Structure Breakdown – Where Does Your Money Go?
For a typical SDIC 60% powder priced at $2,000/MT FOB Qingdao, the internal cost stack looks like this:
- Raw materials (cyanuric acid + chlorine): $1,050 – $1,180 (52-59%)
- Energy (electricity, steam): $130 – $170 (7-8%)
- Labor + overhead: $80 – $110 (4-5%)
- Packing (25 kg drums + pallets): $95 – $130 (5-6%)
- Inland transport to Qingdao/Tianjin port: $45 – $75 (2-3%)
- Manufacturer margin: $200 – $350 (10-17%)
- Trader margin (if not direct): $80 – $180 (4-9%)
Buying direct from manufacturer saves you the trader margin – typically $80-$180/MT. Verifying manufacturer status matters: ask for the SASAC business license, PICC insurance certificate, and factory VAT invoice with matching entity name.
3. Raw Material Volatility – What Drives SDIC Price Swings?
Two commodities dominate the cost curve:
Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
CYA is roughly 60% of the SDIC raw material bill. In H1 2026, CYA spot prices ranged $850-$1,050/MT ex-factory Hebei. Environmental inspections in Shandong (May 2026) tightened supply for 6 weeks and pushed prices briefly to $1,180/MT. Watch ICIS chemical benchmarks for weekly CYA movement.
Chlorine (Cl2)
Chlorine feeds via electrolysis, so its price tracks industrial electricity tariffs in China. Coal-fired power stability in 2026 has kept Cl2 in the $280-$340/MT band. Any coal price spike above 900 RMB/ton typically adds $30-$60/MT to SDIC quotes within 2-3 weeks.
4. MOQ Discount Ladder – Actual Numbers
Chinese producers standardize discount tiers by container load:
| Order Volume | Discount vs 1 MT baseline | Typical FOB per MT |
|---|---|---|
| 1 MT (LCL sample order) | 0% (list price) | $2,000 |
| 5 MT (LCL commercial) | -2% to -3% | $1,940 – $1,960 |
| 25 MT (20′ FCL) | -5% to -7% | $1,860 – $1,900 |
| 55 MT (40′ HQ FCL) | -8% to -10% | $1,800 – $1,840 |
| 100+ MT (multi-container) | -11% to -13% | $1,740 – $1,780 |
Warning: discount above 13% is a red flag. Some vendors achieve it by dropping content to 58% while labeling 60%. Always require third-party COA (SGS or BV) before final payment.
5. Total Landed Cost (TCO) Model – USA Example
Real cost per MT delivered to Los Angeles for 25 MT order (July 2026):
- FOB Qingdao: $1,880
- Ocean freight (Qingdao → LA/LB, 20′ container): $1,650 per container / $66 per MT
- Container Freight Station (CFS) unpacking: $18 per MT
- US Customs entry (single line, hazmat): $220 flat / $8.8 per MT
- Customs duty (HTS 2933.69.6000, 6.5%): $122.20 per MT
- Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF): 0.3464% = $6.51 per MT
- Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF): 0.125% = $2.35 per MT
- Bonded warehouse + inspection: $25 per MT
- Inland delivery (LA warehouse to DC): $85 per MT
Total DDP LA: $2,213.86 per MT – about 17.8% above the FOB China quote.
6. Payment Terms and Their Hidden Cost
Chinese SDIC producers accept:
- T/T 30% deposit + 70% before shipment: standard, no premium
- L/C at sight: +1.5% to +2.5% (bank fee absorbed by seller)
- L/C 30/60/90 days: +3% to +5% depending on tenor
- D/P (Documents against Payment): +1% but limited to trusted repeat clients
- O/A (Open Account) 30/60 days: only after 6+ successful transactions
7. 2026 H2 Price Outlook
Three factors shaping prices from August through December 2026:
- Northern Hemisphere pool season winds down: USA/EU demand drops 20-30% between September and November, pulling FOB prices down $30-$50/MT.
- Southern Hemisphere ramps up: Australia, Argentina, South Africa buying accelerates Oct-Feb, partially offsetting the drop.
- Chinese winter production reduction: Environmental controls in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei from mid-November typically tighten supply by 10-15% and add $40-$80/MT to Q1 2027 prices.
Best window to lock large orders: October 2026. Prices bottom, but shipping capacity is stable.
8. FAQ – SDIC Pricing 2026
What is the cheapest SDIC price in July 2026?
Verified factory-direct floor is around $1,740/MT FOB Qingdao for 100+ MT orders of SDIC 56% powder. Anything below suggests either a lower content grade (52-55%) or non-manufacturer trader with delivery risk.
Are SDIC tablets more expensive than powder?
Yes. Tablet pricing carries a $150-$300/MT premium versus powder due to compression, binder additive, and slower production throughput. Effervescent tablets add another $200-$350/MT for citric acid and film coating.
How can I verify a SDIC quote is real?
Request all three: (a) sample COA with SGS/BV third-party stamp, (b) VAT-eligible pro-forma invoice with factory legal name, (c) recent bill of lading redacted for a similar order. Any hesitation on these documents is a warning.
Should I lock in an annual price contract?
Only for volumes above 300 MT/year. Chinese producers accept quarterly repricing tied to cyanuric acid spot index. Fixed annual price at signing usually costs 3-5% premium versus market average.
Related reading:
- SDIC vs TCCA: Which Chlorine Disinfectant Should You Buy?
- Is SDIC Safe? OSHA Exposure Limits & Workplace Safety
- Australia (APVMA) & India (CDSCO) Import Guide
Need a fresh quote for your specific volume and destination? Contact Shilan Chemical for a 24-hour response with COA sample.