Soda ash stabilizes with narrowing fluctuations, price range tightens.

Recently, the soda ash market has been fluctuating with a weak tendency. Most companies have maintained firm prices, with a few showing slight declines, and price adjustments have narrowed. Downstream demand has been tepid, with an increase in low-level stockpiling but weak willingness to hold inventory. Some downstream industries have reduced operating rates or undergone cold repairs. Looking at plant maintenance, repairs are expected to increase around mid-July, which may lead to a temporary decline in supply. However, production is likely to recover afterward, and overall supply remains relatively high. The market lacks clear drivers, and prices continue to hover near the bottom.

Key focus points for the soda ash market recently:

1. Soda ash transaction conditions and pending orders.
2. The impact of high ocean freight rates on soda ash imports and exports.
3. Downstream inventory levels and plant operations.
4. Soda ash plant maintenance schedules and production cuts.
5. Soda ash enterprise inventory levels and price adjustments.
6. Futures price fluctuations and macro drivers.

Currently, previously idled plants have resumed operations, boosting supply. Some plants are conducting maintenance or reducing output, which has a localized impact on production. Around mid-July, more soda ash plants are expected to undergo maintenance, potentially reducing output. However, overall supply is anticipated to gradually increase afterward, maintaining a relatively ample situation. Current daily soda ash output stands at over 10.6 million tons.

1. Plant fluctuations and narrow adjustments in operating rates.