Soda Ash Pricing Report

Soda Ash Prices December 2023

The price of soda ash in the United States for Q4 2023 reached 340 USD/MT in December. The market in the United States witnessed a downward trend with a recent dip during the slow movement of downstream glass industry consumption and adequate availability of inventories due to the decline.

In South Korea, soda ash prices witnessed a strong market with low supply levels majorly, reaching USD 455/MT, influenced by limited soda ash supplies from China. The market is characterized by higher prices in the country as compared to the previous quarter.

The price of soda ash in Belgium for Q4 2023 reached 420 USD/MT in December. The market in Belgium witnessed significant changes in the price during the quarter with low supply and strong demand driving the market. However, the soda ash prices in Belgium were forecasted to decline in December 2023, primarily owing to a pause in purchasing sentiments.

Soda Ash Pricing Report, Market Analysis, and News

IMARC’s newly published report, titled Soda Ash Pricing Report 2024: Price Trend, Chart, Market Analysis, News, Demand, Historical and Forecast Data, offers an in-depth analysis of soda ash pricing, covering an analysis of global and regional market trends and the critical factors driving these price movements.

It encompasses an in-depth review of spot prices at major ports, a breakdown of prices including Ex Works, FOB, and CIF, alongside a region-wise dissection of price trends across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa.

The report examines the elements influencing soda ash price fluctuations, such as changes in raw material costs, supply-demand dynamics, geopolitical factors, and industry-specific developments. Additionally, it integrates the latest market news, providing stakeholders with up-to-date information on market shifts, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, thereby offering a comprehensive overview that aids in strategic decision-making and forecasting.

Soda Ash Market Analysis

The global soda ash market size reached US$ 19.8 Billion in 2023. By 2032, IMARC Group expects the market to reach US$ 30.1 Billion, at a projected CAGR of 4.60% during 2023-2032.

• The widespread adoption of soda ash in various industries including glass manufacturing, chemical industry, water treatment, metallurgy, pulp and paper industry, food and beverage industry, and textile industry represents one of the key factors influencing the market growth across the globe.
• The primary consumer of soda ash is the glass industry as soda ash is a major component in the production of glass, where it acts as a fluxing agent. The increasing use of soda ash in making glass products like windows, fiberglass, and bottles is driving the demand for soda ash in the glass industry. For instance, in February 2024, AGC, Inc. (Tokyo) a world-leading manufacturer of glass, chemicals, and high-tech materials, announced to construction of a new production facility for FORBLUE S-SERIES, a fluorinated ion-exchange membrane suitable for producing green hydrogen at its Kitakyushu Site (Tobata-ku, Kitakyushu City). AGC is likely to invest approximately 15 billion Japanese yen for the new facility, which is scheduled to start operation in June 2026.
• The increasing demand for soda ash in the production of several chemicals, like detergents, soaps, and other cleaning products is acting as a major growth-inducing factor in the market.
• Soda ash serves as a buffering agent and a pH regulator in such applications which is boosting its demand in the chemical industry. For instance, in December 2023, Advancion Corporation, formerly known as Angus Chemical Company, a leading global manufacturer and marketer of specialty chemicals for Life Sciences and Industrial markets, announced the commercial availability of HEPES sodium salt buffer produced at its Sterlington, LA facility.
• The market is also driven by the increasing concern related to water quality, coupled with the rising investment in water treatment infrastructure.
• The growing use of soda ash in water treatment processes especially for softening water and adjusting PH levels is bolstering the demand for soda ash in water treatment. For instance, in October 2023, Calgon Carbon Corporation (“Calgon Carbon”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Kuraray Co., Ltd. (“Kuraray”), announced the completion of its capacity expansion at its Pearlington, Mississippi site. This expansion includes the addition of a second virgin activated carbon production line, resulting in a significant increase in production capacity.
• Rising concerns for environmental regulations, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for soda ash in agriculture and metallurgy are creating a positive outlook for the market across the globe.

Soda Ash News

The report covers the latest developments, updates, and trends impacting the global soda ash market, providing stakeholders with timely and relevant information. This segment covers a wide array of news items, including the inauguration of new production facilities, advancements in soda ash production technologies, strategic market expansions by key industry players, and significant mergers and acquisitions that shape the industry landscape.

Latest developments in the soda ash industry:

• In 2023, CIECH Sarzyna, the largest producer of plant protection products in Poland is launching 3 new products and expanding into a new segment of insecticides. CIECH's Agro business defends its position in the segment of cereal and corn herbicides.
• In 2022, FMC Corporation, a leading global agricultural sciences company, launched a new brand identity for its Plant Health business to reflect the company's continuing growth and expansion of its biological platform.

Product Description

Soda ash or sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), refers to a white, odorless powder having a variety of industrial uses. It comes from natural sources like trona ore or the Solvay process, which is the reaction of limestone, ammonia, and sodium chloride (salt). Soda ash has an alkaline composition and is very soluble in water.

This adaptable substance is mainly used as a fluxing agent in the glass manufacturing sector, where it lowers the melting point of silica to aid in the formation of glass items like windows, fiberglass, and bottles. It is also a crucial component in the creation of compounds that serve as a pH adjuster and water softener, including detergents, soaps, and cleaning supplies. Soda ash is also employed in textile processing, metallurgy, water treatment, pulp and paper manufacturing, and several food and beverage applications. Soda ash is a vital product in many industries across the world due to its varied qualities and extensive industrial uses.

Regional Coverage

The report provides a detailed analysis of the soda ash market across different regions, each with unique pricing dynamics influenced by localized market conditions, supply chain intricacies, and geopolitical factors. This includes price trends and supply and demand trends for each region, along with spot prices by major ports. The report also provides coverage of ex-works, FOB, and CIF prices, as well as the key factors influencing the price trends.

Global Soda Ash Price

The report offers a holistic view of the global soda ash pricing trends, reflecting the worldwide interplay of supply-demand balances, international trade policies, and overarching economic factors that shape the market on a macro level.

Europe Soda Ash Price

In Europe, soda ash prices increased significantly during the fourth quarter of 2023. The increase was driven by higher demand in the glass industry, which was stimulated by more activity in the automobile sector. Prices increased because of inventory bottlenecks and supply restrictions. The supply situation deteriorated due to high electricity costs, significantly restricting the market. Belgium had large price swings; a predicted fall in December was linked to a sluggish attitude toward purchases. Nonetheless, because of strong demand and low supply, the Belgian market remained optimistic overall. Significantly, the price of soda ash for soda ash Light CFR Antwerp in Belgium reached USD 420 per metric ton (MT).

This analysis can be extended to include detailed soda ash price information for a comprehensive list of countries.

North America Soda Ash Price

The soda ash market in North America demonstrated strength in Q4 of 2023. Due to lower manufacturing rates, there was a moderate supply, which resulted in limited availability. The moderate to strong demand, especially from the glass production sector, supported prices. The market was further bolstered by a recovery in the automotive glass industry, which was driven by regional orders following the IJAW strike's conclusion. Consumer confidence increased as the economy persevered despite worries. However, in December 2023, the market players' destocking reactions combined with the slow downstream consumption and sufficient inventory levels caused a bearish trend in soda ash prices that culminated in a recent price decline.

Specific data on soda ash prices within the United States and Canada can also be provided.

Middle East and Africa Soda Ash Price

The analysis of soda ash prices in the Middle East and Africa provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

In addition to region-wise data, information on soda ash prices for countries can also be provided.

Aisa Pacific Soda Ash Price

In the Asia Pacific region, the prices of soda ash on the market stayed mostly steady. Major factors influencing the market include the glass industry's growing demand, the limited supply resulting from production cuts, particularly in China, and the disparate market situations in different nations. Lower supplies from China led to a positive market in South Korea, where prices rose. Notably, the first and second half of the quarter did not exhibit a discernible price difference. Overall, price swings in the Asia-Pacific soda ash market were caused by supply limitations and increased demand from the glass industry.

This analysis can be further extended to include detailed soda ash prices for a comprehensive list of countries within the region.

Latin America Soda Ash Price

The analysis of soda ash prices in Latin America provides a detailed overview, reflecting the unique market dynamics in the region influenced by economic policies, industrial growth, and trade frameworks.

This comprehensive review can be extended to include specific countries within the region.

Report Coverage:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report presents a detailed analysis of soda ash pricing, covering global and regional trends, spot prices at key ports, and a breakdown of Ex Works, FOB, and CIF prices.
• The study examines factors affecting soda ash price volatility, including raw material costs, supply-demand shifts, geopolitical impacts, and industry developments, offering insights for informed decision-making.
• The competitive landscape review equips stakeholders with crucial insights into the latest market news, regulatory changes, and technological advancements, ensuring a well-rounded, strategic overview for forecasting and planning.
• IMARC offers various subscription options, including monthly, quarterly, and biannual updates, allowing clients to stay informed with the latest market trends, ongoing developments, and comprehensive market insights, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the soda ash industry.