Soda Ash Prices Surge in Asia as Demand Appears Bullish on Economic Recovery

Several chemicals have experienced price rise this year on the back of economic recovery which was battered by the coronavirus related lockdowns. Among the chemicals seeing price rise is Soda Ash which is also called Sodium Carbonate. The prices for Soda Ash have risen more than 70% since the beginning of the year. 

The prices for Soda Ash have risen by USD 150 per tonne to USD 356.7 per tonne this year due to the rise in the demand which is supported by economic recovery across the globe. Glass which accounts for 50% of global consumption for Soda Ash has particularly seen major demand surge leading to the price hike in Soda Ash. 

Soda Ash is widely used in the manufacturing of glass as it plays an important role in maintaining the temperature of the furnace and attaining stability. 

Soda Ash is product of the Chlor Alkali industry. It has application in glass, chemicals, soaps and detergents, metallurgy, water treatment, and pulp and paper. The major application of Soda Ash is in glass and detergent industry which accounts for more than half of the global demand of Soda Ash. The demand for Soda Ash has risen due to sudden surge in the demand for cleaners and detergents during the pandemic.  

As Per Chemanalyst, “the price rise for Soda Ash is driven by the rise in the demand of flat glass due to the recovery in economic activity post coronavirus constraints easing. The prices are expected to take a downturn due to the fears of the new Delta Variant in the near term, but as the demand regains its previous values, the prices will be stabilizing with supply matching the demand in the medium term.”