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VietnamIn Q1 2025, China FOB Qingdao the Light Soda Ash market was in difficulties, with the price being at $207.3/MT, down by -4% compared to Q4 2024. Declining demand from the Glass and Construction sectors together with the excess supply in the market held the prices down. Although there was some seasonal demand in the Packaging and Consumer Goods industries, it was not strong enough to offset the overall market trend. Heavy production volumes in major producing regions and ongoing logistical challenges further contributed to the price decline. The market remained pressured as global supply still exceeded demand, maintaining the subdued prices.
The Light Soda Ash market, too, suffered a massive downturn in prices in Q4 2024 when China FOB Qingdao prices went down to $216.6/MT from a -13.71% fall in Q3. The sharp decline primarily due to constant weak demand in the Construction and Glass sectors, which are the largest consumers of Soda Ash. The surplus in the market was further boosted as production continued unabated with lagging demand. Furthermore, rising energy prices also affected production, and geopolitical tensions brought uncertainty to the market. The overall surplus in supply and continued weakness in key industries led to a dramatic fall in prices during this quarter.
By Q3 2024, the Light Soda Ash market dipped again with the China FOB Qingdao prices at $251/MT in July, down by -5.64% from Q2. The market was still experiencing a condition of oversupply by the world compared to demand. Key producing markets like the USA and Türkiye increased production, resulting in oversupply. Throughout this period, poor demand in sectors such as Automotive and Construction, combined with sluggish economies in Europe and North America, kept the prices in pressure mode. Logistics difficulty and high freight also enabled the supply overhang, discouraging any proper price recovery.
During Q2 2024, the decline continued, with China’s FOB Qingdao Light Soda Ash prices falling to $266/MT, -5.64% lower than Q1. The price fall was driven by excess inventories and a slower-than-expected recovery in the Glass industry. Economic uncertainty also led to a fall in export demand, further constricting the market. China’s environmental regulations, resulting in short-term factory shutdowns, contributed to the supply chain collapse and accelerated the price drop. Despite all these challenges, demand in the Chemicals and Water Treatment industries was relatively steady, though not sufficient to counteract the overall decline in price.
In Q1 2024, the global Light Soda Ash market was in a bearish trend, with China’s FOB Qingdao price at $281.9/MT, which decreased by -6.70% compared to the previous quarter. This decrease was mainly because of weak demand from key industries like Glass and Detergents, which are large consumers of Soda Ash. Weak demand in these industries was coupled with high production levels, leading to a surplus in the market. Also, a downturn in the Construction sector further lowered demand for Soda Ash used in Glass manufacturing, putting additional pressure on prices.
Entering Q1 2025, the Indian Ex-Ahmedabad Light Soda Ash market experienced a sharp correction as prices fell to $335/MT, which posted a –12.99% decline from Q4 2024. The decline was driven primarily by the massive availability in the domestic market, with many producers increasing production in anticipation of continuous high demand. But following the end of the holiday season and a typical fall in industrial activity early in the year, real demand was still muted. Buyers kept their options open, and this led to price stabilization across the market.
By Q4 2024, Ex-Ahmedabad Light Soda Ash prices again increased to $385/MT, up by +5.48% compared to Q3. The festival season was to be credited for lifting the mood of the market with better consumption in packaging, food-grade glass production, and cleansing products. Increased pickup in building activities after monsoons also added to demand, with a notable impact coming from flat glass and container glass segments. The lack of trucks during peak festival season transport also contributed to freight costs, sustaining prices.
In Q3 2024, the market tapered off slightly with Ex-Ahmedabad Light Soda Ash rates dropping back to $365/MT, after a –3.95% drop from Q2. The adjustment came as demand returned to normal in all areas, particularly due to the monsoon season, which tends to decrease construction and industrial activity. Suppliers also reflected adequate stock availability, triggering reduced panic buying. Despite registering consistent performance in the detergent business, the overall market saw a trend towards softness due to seasonally weak demand.
Ex-Ahmedabad Light Soda Ash prices kept increasing during Q2 2024 to $380/MT, a +4.11% increase from Q1. The hike was mainly caused by strong demand in the building sector, particularly from the flat glass application in solar panels and windows. Higher temperatures and the return of infrastructure activity also supported higher use of detergents and cleaning chemicals. Meanwhile, the domestic price push upward was bolstered by rising transport costs caused by higher fuel prices and regional logistic disruptions.
The Indian Light Soda Ash market (Ex-Ahmedabad) kicked off the year on a high note, as prices were $365/MT in Q1, which logged a +1.39% quarter-on-quarter increase. The action was guided by steady off-take by the glass and detergent industries, the latter being the largest end-use segments of Soda Ash in India. Moreover, the beginning of the year witnessed restocking by buyers who had cleaned up inventories in the year-end holiday season. With steady production and a nicely balanced supply-demand situation, the market kept the price level in good health.
PriceWatch is your trusted resource for tracking global soda ash price trends. Our platform delivers real-time data and expert analysis, offering deep insights into the key factors driving price fluctuations in the soda ash market. By monitoring critical events such as geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and economic shifts, PriceWatch keeps you fully informed of market dynamics.
In addition, PriceWatch provides detailed forecasts and updates on production capacities, enabling you to anticipate market changes and make well-informed decisions. With PriceWatch, you gain a competitive edge in understanding all the elements that influence soda ash prices worldwide. Stay ahead of the curve with PriceWatch’s reliable, accurate, and timely soda ash market data.
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These events illustrate the Soda Ash market’s sensitivity to global disruptions, highlighting the importance of closely monitoring supply chain dynamics and geopolitical factors for better market forecasting.
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Molecular Weight[g/mol]
CAS No
HS Code
Molecular Formula
Soda Ash, also known as sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), is a white, water-soluble powder primarily used in the manufacture of glass, detergents, and chemicals. It is derived from natural sources like trona ore or produced synthetically via the Solvay process. Soda Ash plays a crucial role in regulating pH and softening water in various industrial processes.
Packaging Type
Grades Covered
Incoterms Used
Synonym
PriceWatch Quotation Terms:
Ex-Location: This incoterm refers to a shipping agreement where the seller makes the goods available at their premises, and the buyer is responsible for all transportation costs, including shipping, insurance, and any other fees.
CIF: CIF refers to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) terms for goods. Under CIF terms, the seller is responsible for the cost of goods, insurance, and freight charges until the goods reach the port of destination.
FD: FD stands for Free Delivered where the seller takes full responsibility for delivering goods to the location/port. This ensures the buyer receives the goods at the designated port with all necessary costs, except import duties, covered.
FOB: FOB refers to the Free On-Board shipping term, where the seller is responsible for the cost and risk of delivering the goods to the port. Once the goods are on board the vessel, the responsibility shifts to the buyer for all costs, including shipping and insurance.
| S.No | Characteristics | Dense (Specifications) | Light (Specifications) |
| 1 | Absolute Density, g/cmᵌ @ 25°C | 2.533 | 2.533 |
| 2 | Melting Point, °C | 851 | 851 |
| 3 | Solubility, max % 35.4°C | 33.2 | 33.2 |
| 4 | Sodium Carbonate (Na₂CO₃) % | 99.5 Min | 99.2 Min |
| 5 | Bulk Density: lb./ft. ᵌ | 62.4 – 68.6 | 44 – 54 |
| 6 | NaCl Weight % | 0.04 Max | 0.10 Max |
| 7 | pH of 1% solution @ 25°C | 11.4 | 11.4 |
| 8 | Purity | >98% | >98% |
Applications
Soda Ash is a versatile chemical used in various industries. It serves mainly as a key ingredient in the production of glass, including container glass, flat glass, and fiberglass. Soda Ash is also crucial in making detergents, where it helps to soften water and enhance cleaning power. Additionally, it is used in the manufacture of chemicals like sodium bicarbonate, which is a common ingredient in baking and cleaning products. Its ability to regulate pH makes it valuable in water treatment and in various industrial processes.
Soda ash prices are primarily influenced by factors such as raw material costs, including natural soda ash and sodium bicarbonate, energy prices, and labor costs. Demand from end-use industries, including glass manufacturing, detergents, and chemicals, also plays a significant role. Additionally, supply chain disruptions, trade policies, environmental regulations, and fluctuations in currency exchange rates can further impact pricing.
The availability of soda ash is crucial for pricing trends. Factors such as production capacity, mining regulations, and transportation logistics can affect supply levels. When production is hindered by regulatory challenges or natural disasters, prices tend to rise due to limited availability. Conversely, an increase in production capabilities or the discovery of new reserves can lead to price reductions. Procurement heads should stay informed about market developments to navigate these fluctuations effectively.
Soda ash prices can vary significantly across regions due to differences in production costs, transportation expenses, and local demand. For instance, regions with abundant natural soda ash resources, like the United States and China, may offer lower prices compared to areas reliant on imported soda ash. Procurement teams should analyze regional market conditions and consider local sourcing options to optimize costs and ensure a stable supply chain. Adapting procurement strategies based on these regional insights can lead to more efficient purchasing decisions.
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