Soda Ash Market Trends: Sluggish and Stable; Prices Consolidate Within a Narrow Range (October 2–8, 2026)

1. Key Market Focus This Week

① Raw material costs (salt and coal) remained stable, with no significant fluctuations in the cost base.

② Soda ash production units underwent minor adjustments; some plants halted operations for maintenance, leading to a reduction in supply.

③ Downstream demand was moderate, trading sentiment was weak, and restocking was primarily driven by immediate needs.

2. Weekly Market Analysis

Domestic Mainstream Soda Ash Price Trends (CNY/ton)

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

Weekly Regional Price Change Table for Domestic Soda Ash

Unit: CNY/ton

Data Source: Chempricehub Information

Note: Some enterprises are not quoting prices; transactions are negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

This week, the domestic soda ash market trended steadily with relatively stable prices and minor adjustments in specific areas. According to Chempricehub data monitoring, domestic soda ash production for the week was 713,900 tons, a decrease of 4,600 tons week-on-week (-0.64%). The comprehensive capacity utilization rate for soda ash was 76.15%, compared to 75.44% last week, an increase of 0.71 percentage points. With some enterprises beginning maintenance shutdowns, supply showed a downward trend. Inventory at soda ash plants stood at 1,778,700 tons, an increase of 19,400 tons from the previous week (+1.10%). Shipments from soda ash enterprises slowed due to holiday impacts, resulting in an overall inventory buildup. On the supply side, as more enterprises enter maintenance and given the large capacity involved, production is expected to decline next week. Estimated production for next week is over 610,000 tons, with an operating rate above 65%. Post-holiday price volatility is expected to be low, supported by reduced supply. On the demand side, downstream demand remains moderate, with expectations for post-holiday restocking. Following declines in futures prices, transaction volumes increased and procurement activity improved. Production units are operating normally, and consumption remains stable. Daily melting output for float glass was 142,300 tons this week, and for solar PV glass was 66,800 tons, both stable week-on-week. Next week, cold repairs are planned for solar PV lines, while float glass output is expected to remain stable. In summary, soda ash will likely fluctuate in the short term, with prices remaining largely stable.

3. Analysis of Market Influencing Factors

4. Fluctuations in thermal coal prices on the cost side.

5. Operational status of Boyuan Yinhen and Henan Jinshan facilities.

6. Changes in inventory levels at soda ash enterprises.

7. Variations in downstream float glass and solar PV glass production lines.

8. Next Week's Market Forecast

Supply Forecast: As more enterprises enter maintenance and given the large capacity involved, production is expected to decline next week. Estimated production for next week is over 610,000 tons, with an operating rate above 65%. Post-holiday price volatility is expected to be low, supported by reduced supply.

Demand Forecast: Downstream demand remains moderate, with expectations for post-holiday restocking. Following declines in futures prices, transaction volumes increased and procurement activity improved. Production units are operating normally, and consumption remains stable. Daily melting output for float glass was 142,300 tons this week, and for solar PV glass was 66,800 tons, both stable week-on-week.

Comprehensive Forecast: Soda ash will likely fluctuate in the short term, with prices remaining largely stable.

For more weekly market analysis, please refer to the Chempricehub Information Soda Ash Weekly Report.