Raw salt prices remain weak, with attention focused on the capacity ramp-up of new mine-salt projects in September.

1. Monthly Highlights

Production: Sea salt inventories continued to be consumed in September, with compliant-grade sea salt being depleted at a relatively fast rate. In the North China salt region, some sea salt enterprises commenced autumn harvesting earlier than usual, leading to expectations of increased sea salt supply in the future. Two rock salt enterprises in Shandong that had undergone maintenance in the previous period both resumed normal operations in late September. They currently hold low inventory levels and maintain balanced production and sales. As demand for edible and pickling salt increases in Q4, rock salt enterprises have issued notices raising prices to ensure salt supply. Regarding imported salt, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East have kept freight rates high, resulting in low price competitiveness for landed costs of imported salt. Chlor-alkali enterprises remain in a wait-and-see mode, with few actual transactions.

2. Monthly Market Analysis

Domestic Raw Salt Price Fluctuation Table (Monthly)

Unit: CNY/ton
Data Source: Chempricehub Information

In September, raw salt market prices remained generally stable with slight declines, though the downward trend slowed. Continuous consumption of sea salt inventories has led to a gradual reduction in the volume of compliant-grade salt; as inventories decreased in certain regions, the willingness of salt enterprises to cut prices weakened. During the month, two rock salt enterprises in North China underwent maintenance, significantly reducing supply. With low inventory levels and balanced production and sales, rock salt prices remained stable. Maintenance-resumed enterprises began increasing supply again in late September. Currently, the ex-factory price (including tax) for sea salt is 200-210 CNY/ton. Autumn sea salt harvesting will proceed gradually from late September, creating expectations for increased future supply. In East China, some well-mined rock salt enterprises entered maintenance, reducing supply. This prompted enterprises to increase their willingness to ship products, alleviating inventory pressure and slowing the weakening trend in salt prices. In Central China, well-mined rock salt prices were adjusted upward by dry salt enterprises due to increased demand for refined salt. Prices for loose wet salt remained temporarily stable, but sales pressure persisted, leading enterprises to continue external shipments. In Northwest China, prices for lake salt and well-mined rock salt saw minimal changes. Downstream purchases were primarily driven by rigid demand, with stable rock salt supply and minor price fluctuations by enterprises. Some chlor-alkali enterprises in the Northwest that had previously undergone maintenance partially resumed operations, leading to a slight increase in raw salt demand.

China's raw salt imports in August 2026 totaled 1.016 million tons, up 14.32% month-on-month and 21.08% year-on-year, with an average import price of USD 35.4/ton. Cumulative imports from January to August 2026 reached 8.191 million tons, down 11.5% year-on-year. The average landed price of imported salt in August was USD 35.4/ton, compared to USD 34.3/ton in the same period last year, an increase of USD 1.1/ton. Influenced by rising international oil prices, landed prices for imported salt have maintained high levels with a gradual upward trend. Meanwhile, domestic raw salt prices are trending downward. Due to sufficient sea salt supply and the approaching autumn harvest, sea salt enterprises are highly motivated to ship products. Downstream alkali enterprises are purchasing on demand; those in coastal regions buy imported salt and mix it with domestic raw salt for use.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

Demand – Chlor-Alkali: In September, the liquid caustic soda market in North China continued to show divergent trends. Prices declined in Shandong and Tianjin, while rising locally in Hebei. Supply of 32% concentration caustic soda in Shandong increased overall during the month. Near the end of the month, under significant inventory reduction pressure, industry prices dropped relatively clearly. However, price increases and decreases coexisted for most of the month, with localized phenomena caused by reduced commodity volumes also present, though impacts were largely contained within specific scopes. In the Hebei region, prices finally declined in mid-to-late August due to increased commodity volumes from Tianjin and local sources.

Demand – Soda Ash: In September, the domestic soda ash market trended upward initially before declining later, with small overall volatility and narrow price adjustments. On the supply side, initial maintenance losses were significant, leading to reduced output; however, enterprise spot goods remained firm supported by orders. After mid-month, maintenance activities gradually concluded, and supply increased.