China → Vietnam Sodium Sulfate Supply — Forward-looking Briefing for Detergent Procurement Teams

QYJSSA/August 24,2025

Key Insights

l China remains the primary source of sodium sulfate for Southeast Asia’s detergent industry: inland mineral bases (such as Sichuan) provide bulk output, while coastal clusters (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong) dominate export flows.

l Detergent-grade sodium sulfate is typically shipped with a batch Certificate of Analysis (COA) referencing national standards; for independent verification, CNAS-accredited or international TIC labs (SGS, Intertek, Eurofins) provide re-test reports recognized as neutral evidence.

l Stricter environmental enforcement has raised compliance costs and led to rectification or suspension of some smaller plants; buyers seeking stable supply should prioritize larger or export-oriented producers with clear compliance and testing documentation.

l To claim ACFTA preferential tariffs, suppliers must provide a valid Certificate of Origin (Form E); importers should verify HS code eligibility with their customs broker.

Figure1：Glauber's Salt Port-to-Factory Transport Process -- Vietnam Inland Logistics & Supply Chain Solutions

Market Landscape — How Production Regions and Export Hubs Shape Procurement

China’s supply structure is shaped by resource endowment and port logistics. Inland provinces with large mirabilite reserves, such as Sichuan, provide low-cost bulk volumes and play a decisive role in price formation. Coastal provinces and Yangtze River clusters (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Guangdong) specialize in containerized exports and shorten delivery time to Vietnam. For Vietnamese detergent buyers, inland sourcing usually offers a lower cost per ton but involves longer inland transport and higher transshipment risk, while coastal sourcing can shorten lead times and simplify customs clearance.

Export readiness and documentation often correlate with location: coastal exporters are more likely to provide full export paperwork (batch COA, MSDS, packing photos, carrier bookings), while inland producers depend on consolidation hubs. For smooth customs and quality acceptance in Vietnam, buyers should confirm suppliers can provide traceable COAs and specify acceptable third-party labs in contracts for fast dispute resolution.

Demand Map — Core Priorities for Detergent Buyers

Technical specifications and standards: detergent formulations require stable Na?SO? assay, controlled moisture, chloride and insolubles. Chinese suppliers usually reference the GB/T standard for anhydrous sodium sulfate. For sensitive or high-end formulations, stricter tolerances and testing methods should be clearly stated in contracts.

Third-party testing and acceptance: common practice is to ship with a supplier COA and allow independent re-testing at a CNAS-accredited lab or international TIC (SGS, Intertek, Eurofins). Pre-defining labs and sampling methods in contracts significantly reduces disputes.

Customs and tariff documentation: reputable exporters provide COA, MSDS, packing list, commercial invoice and a valid Form E for ACFTA preferential tariffs where applicable. Buyers must confirm eligibility with their customs broker before shipment.

Logistics and carrier choice: major lines (COSCO, Maersk, CMA CGM, Evergreen, OOCL) operate frequent China–Vietnam routes. Direct sailings from Shanghai/Ningbo/Guangdong to Ho Chi Minh can take 4–7 days under ideal schedules. Buyers should request carrier name and voyage number in advance, and clarify whether the booking is direct or via transshipment.

New Trends — Compliance, Traceability and Actionable Contract Clauses

Tighter regulation and growing demand for traceability are reshaping procurement. Environmental inspections and stricter pollutant controls have pushed smaller or marginal producers to upgrade or suspend exports, concentrating the market around suppliers with clear compliance records and third-party testing capacity. Buyers who require steady monthly supply should prefer partners who can provide recent compliance statements, batch COAs with referenced standards and labs, and willingness to accept CNAS re-test clauses.

Specifications & acceptance criteria: reference GB/T or agreed enterprise/pharmacopeia standard, and list acceptance limits (assay, moisture, chloride, insolubles).

Sampling & re-test clause: define sampling method, name CNAS-accredited or TIC labs, and allocate costs based on outcomes.

Documentation & origin: require COA, MSDS, packing list, invoice; for preferential tariffs, a valid Form E and customs pre-check of HS code eligibility.

Carrier nomination & ETA: seller to provide carrier name and voyage number days before loading, and state whether the service is direct or transshipment.