For the Quarter Ending March 2026
Caustic Soda Prices in North America
- In USA, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 3.12% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting muted demand and ample imports.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 549.33/MT, reflecting stable import and domestic fundamentals.
- Gulf Coast inventories constrained occasional cargoes, supporting higher Caustic Soda Spot Price and tightening near-term availability.
- Market participants adjusted offers upward amid logistics costs, aligning short-term Caustic Soda Price Forecast with firmer trajectory.
- Rising diesel and freight pushed the Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend higher, pressuring delivered margins modestly.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remains subdued as PVC, pulp, and alumina consumption held near seasonal lows.
- Domestic producer operating rates kept supply balanced, stabilising the Caustic Soda Price Index despite external cost pressures.
- Inventory levels across Houston and New Orleans stayed within five-year ranges, limiting volatility and capping upside pressure.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in March 2026 in North America?
- Escalating global energy and freight costs in March raised transport expenses, feeding through to delivered caustic margins.
- Balanced import arrivals and steady Gulf Coast inventories prevented sharper price moves despite higher logistics and energy pressures.
- Domestic operating rates remained routine while cautious downstream procurement limited spot demand, tempering sustained upward momentum.
Caustic Soda Prices in APAC
- In Japan, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 4.97% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer export demand conditions.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 306.00/MT based on assessed FOB Tokyo levels.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price momentum turned firmer mid-March as elevated electricity costs trimmed available export tonnage.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast models reflect tighter supply from trimmed operating rates and energy-driven cost.
- Observed Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend showed elevated electricity influence raising marginal cash costs regionally.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remains subdued short term, with downstream restocking delayed after year-end inventory builds.
- Caustic Soda Price Index volatility remained limited until mid-March then firmed as inventories tightened slightly.
- Major producers maintained steady operating schedules while elevated power tariffs prompted measured output cuts regionally.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Sustained elevated electricity tariffs increased production costs, prompting temporary output trimming and reducing available export volumes.
- Post-holiday restocking delays and softer regional inquiries weakened immediate demand, easing price support through March.
- Rising freight and insurance costs plus geopolitical shipping risks supported seller pricing discipline despite steady feedstock inflows.
Caustic Soda Prices in Europe
- In Germany, the Caustic Soda Price Index rose by 5.23% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting energy-driven cost pressures.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 516.33/MT, reflecting stable supply and demand balance.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price showed episodic strength late March while the Price Index signalled accelerating bullish momentum.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast indicates near-term firmness driven by elevated energy costs and constrained merchant availability.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend remains upward as electricity and gas tariffs sustain elevated variable manufacturing expenses.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook appears steady with pulp, paper and alumina consumption offsetting softer detergent sector inquiries.
- Caustic Soda Price Index volatility increased in March as geopolitical risks and freight constraints amplified seller pricing discipline.
- Inventory levels stayed comfortable at Rhine terminals, limiting upside despite sporadic spot buying and cautious restocking.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Rising electricity and natural gas tariffs increased production costs, prompting sellers to lift offers and protect margins.
- Heightened geopolitical tensions tightened global feedstock and shipping routes, elevating freight premiums and supplier risk premia.
- Stable domestic operating rates and comfortable inventories limited sharper increases, but sporadic spot buying sustained upward pressure.
Caustic Soda Prices in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 6.82% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting lower export demand.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 560.33/MT, reflecting balanced supply conditions.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price remained muted with ample domestic output and limited import exposure constraining volatility.
- The Caustic Soda Price Forecast considers higher freight and energy costs offset by steady domestic production availability.
- Rising fuel and electricity pushed the Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend higher, reducing merchant willingness to offer volumes.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook stayed steady as alumina, desalination and paper sectors provided consistent consumption support.
- Near-term Caustic Soda Price Index pressure eased after selective restocking and marginal merchant concessions influenced export parity.
- Stable plant operations and minimal import reliance preserved market cover, keeping short-term volatility contained despite geopolitical worries.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in March 2026 in MEA?
- Higher regional energy costs elevated production expenses, reducing merchant willingness to offer aggressive spot volumes.
- Geopolitical escalation increased freight risks and insurance premiums, tightening prompt availability and raising delivered costs.
- Selective restocking by alumina and desalination buyers drained prompt inventories, supporting firmer offers across domestic market.
Caustic Soda Prices in South America
- In Brazil, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 8.34% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting competitive imports pressure.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 494.67/MT, reflecting Santos imports.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price tightened as prompt cargoes thinned, enabling sellers to maintain elevated offers.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast suggests short-term firmness from increased freight and bunker-driven logistics costs impact.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend improved as membrane conversions reduced electrolysis costs and raised availability.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remained steady as alumina and pulp sectors sustained routine consumption levels.
- Price Index reversed in March as energy and transport cost pressures supported higher landed bids.
- Inventories at Santos remained adequate; thin cargoes and seller discipline sustained firm CFR offers.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in March 2026 in South America?
- Freight and bunker cost spikes increased landed import costs, pressuring buyers and elevating CFR offers.
- Membrane conversions boosted domestic efficiency, releasing merchant volumes and exerting downward pressure on spot parity.
- Steady alumina and pulp consumption limited spot demand; thin cargoes allowed sellers to defend prices.
For the Quarter Ending December 2025
Caustic Soda Price in North America
- In the USA, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 12.32% quarter-over-quarter, driven by imports.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 567.00/MT, reported CFR Texas.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price eased significantly as seaborne arrivals and Gulf inventories pressured domestic offers.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast indicates modest near-term softness amid competitive imports and restrained industrial restocking.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend remained stable as natural gas and power costs limited pressure.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remains muted because alumina and pulp demand declined; buyers maintain inventories.
- Caustic Soda Price Index volatility reflected discounting from exporters and distributor tankage draining spot tightness.
- Export momentum to Latin America absorbed excess volumes, yet Spot Price remained under downward pressure.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in December 2025 in North America?
- Discounted seaborne imports increased arrivals into the Gulf, elevating supply and swamping domestic spot outlets.
- Lower freight and natural gas prices reduced delivered costs, removing cost-driven support for domestic offers.
- Seasonal Q4 trough in alumina and pulp demand constrained offtake, leaving inventories elevated year-end.
Caustic Soda Price in APAC
- In Japan, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 6.76% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting ample supply levels.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 322.00/MT, reflecting FOB consolidation.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price weakened amid steady exports; the Price Index showed bearish twelve-week momentum.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend eased as softer LNG and reduced freight moderated cash-cost pressures.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remains muted as aluminium and pulp sectors curtailed spot procurement volumes.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast indicates modest near-term downside, dependent on inventory draws and export activity.
- Caustic Soda Price Index reflected inventory builds and muted export demand, constraining seller pricing leverage.
- Major Japanese plants ran at steady rates, supporting exports while inventories remained adequate and balanced.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in December 2025 in APAC?
- Ample domestic output and uninterrupted brine inflows sustained availability, maintaining offers and depressing domestic pricing.
- Soft downstream demand from aluminium and pulp sectors reduced spot requisitions, limiting upward price pressure.
- Lower LNG and softer freight costs trimmed production cash-costs, allowing suppliers to hold competitive offers.
Caustic Soda Price in Europe
- In Germany, the Caustic Soda Price Index rose by 8.7% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tightened supply and firmer demand.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 490.67/MT, per reported trade totals.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price recovered modestly mid-quarter while the Price Index reflected stronger merchant demand and tighter availability.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast remains cautiously bullish near-term, driven by seasonal procurement and persistent logistics constraints.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend saw pressure from elevated energy costs despite improving electrolysis economics later in the quarter.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook is mixed, with steady coatings consumption offset by weaker construction and subdued export orders.
- The Price Index indicates range-bound movement as ample inventories and consistent export flows limit immediate upside potential.
- Major producer operating rates remained high, supporting export offers and influencing downstream derivative margins and trade dynamics.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in December 2025 in Europe?
- Port congestion and targeted maintenance tightened merchant availability, reducing spot volumes and supporting higher offers.
- Elevated energy costs pushed production economics upward, increasing marginal costs while seasonal procurement firmed industrial offtake.
- Ample inventories and stable export flows constrained spot tightness, moderating price advances despite localized supply strains.
Caustic Soda Price in MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 1.85% quarter-over-quarter, oversupplied domestic market conditions.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 601.33/MT, reported in dataset.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price softened as desalination-derived output and ample merchant supply pressured seller quotations.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast signals modest downside near term given incremental capacity and muted exports.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend remained contained as energy and feedstock costs showed modest pressure.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook stays restrained for December amid conservative buying and subdued alumina procurement.
- Caustic Soda Price Index momentum moderated; twelve-week moving average indicated balanced supply-demand despite weekly softness.
- Inventory builds, port throughput and export flows limited upside, keeping merchant offers under downward pressure.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in December 2025 in MEA?
- Ample domestic production and new desalination-sourced capacity increased availability, pressuring spot market in December.
- Measured downstream offtake from alumina, pulp and textile sectors limited buying, reinforcing subdued price trajectory.
- Stable energy and logistics prevented cost-push inflation, while inventory builds reduced urgency for additional imports.
Caustic Soda Price in South America
- In Brazil, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 13.6993% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting import-led bearishness domestically.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 539.67/MT, per Brazilian sources.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price eased as Atlantic Basin cargoes and CFR offers pressured import parity
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast indicates modest downside near-term given ample inventories and cautious buyer behaviour.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend muted due to stable hydropower tariffs and lower gas feedstock.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook subdued amid lower alumina and pulp mill runs and cautious procurement.
- Inventory overhang and steady imports kept the Caustic Soda Price Index depressed despite contract offtake.
- Localized river drought and vessel shortages constrained logistics but did not tighten Caustic Soda supply.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in December 2025 in South America?
- Abundant imports from US Gulf and Europe increased availability, undermining domestic pricing power, pressuring offers.
- Softer alumina and pulp demand reduced offtake, prompting buyers to delay purchases, curtailing spot activity.
- Stable feedstock costs and easing freight lowered production pressures, enabling sellers to maintain CFR quotes.
For the Quarter Ending September 2025
North America
- In USA, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 5.8% in quarter-over-quarter, reflecting softer downstream demand.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 418.00/MT, supported by inventories.
- Moderate stock levels limited Caustic Soda Spot Price spikes despite import competition and export interest.
- Steady Henry Hub gas and consistent brine feed contained Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend pressure.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remains subdued as aluminum and pulp sectors delay restocking and contracts.
- Near-term Caustic Soda Price Forecast suggests range-bound movement unless inventories materially draw or outages occur.
- Improved logistics and steady Gulf Coast output supported the Caustic Soda Price Index stability throughout.
- Major Gulf Coast producers ran high utilization, limiting supply tightening despite isolated unit curtailments recently.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in September 2025 in North America?
- Ample domestic production and redirected export volumes swelled supply, reducing merchant tightness and pressuring prices.
- Muted offtake from aluminum and pulp sectors lowered demand, limiting upward price momentum despite outages.
- Stable energy and feedstock costs contained production inflation while logistics improvements supported distribution and availability.
APAC
- In Japan, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 0.96% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weaker demand overall.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 345.33/MT and remained well-balanced.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price remained range-bound while Price Index reflected limited volatility amid steady operations.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast signals muted movement, with term sales dominating and buyers avoiding inventories.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend flat; electricity and brine costs stable, limiting upward price pressure.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook subdued due to weak alumina and pulp offtake; seasonal recovery likely.
- Inventory builds at Asian hubs weighed on the Caustic Soda Price Index, dampening spot momentum.
- Japanese producers maintained high rates, stabilising supply and capping volatility in Caustic Soda Price Index.
- Logistics normalisation and term contracting shaped near-term Caustic Soda Spot Price direction and market sentiment.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in September 2025 in APAC?
- Supply stability from uninterrupted chlor-alkali operations reduced urgency, moderating upward price movement in September 2025.
- Weaker downstream offtake from alumina and pulp sectors pressured demand, extending bearish bias during trading.
- Stable feedstock and electricity costs kept Production Cost Trend flat, limiting seller-driven price increases overall.
Europe
- In Germany, the Caustic Soda Price Index fell by 6.0% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting weak export inquiries.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 349.00/MT, assessed FOB Hamburg benchmarks.
- Caustic Soda Price Index showed stability, while Caustic Soda Spot Price tightened due to constrained volumes.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook remained muted from alumina and paper sectors, limiting bulk procurement activity.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend benefited from easing energy, partially offsetting logistics surcharges and salt variability.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast shows modest upside risk into Q4, driven by seasonal restocking and limited spot availability.
- Inventory and export demand tightened regional supply, supporting Caustic Soda Spot Price recovery during mid-September rallies.
- Operational stability at major German producers maintained supply, keeping Caustic Soda Price Index anchored despite disruptions.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in September 2025 in Europe?
- Covestro Dormagen force majeure created short-term regional tightness, tightening merchant supply and supporting spot increases.
- Subdued downstream procurement from alumina and paper limited contract pressure, contributing to overall price weakness.
- Easing energy costs moderated production expense, while port congestion and freight surcharges constrained distribution efficiency.
MEA
- In Saudi Arabia, the Caustic Soda Price Index rose 2.8% quarter-over-quarter, supported by industrial demand.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 612.67/MT, per regional assessment.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price firmed mid-September amid Red Sea shipping delays and stronger regional offtake.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast points to modest upside risk from logistics constraints and rising expenses.
- Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend rose with higher energy and labour costs, pressuring producer margins.
- Caustic Soda Demand Outlook constructive as construction and alumina sectors increased procurement ahead of deadlines.
- Caustic Soda Price Index momentum supported by term contract activity, inventory draws limiting spot liquidity.
- Export demand tightening and minimal import buffer reduced regional availability, supporting firmer Saudi producer offers.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in September 2025 in MEA?
- Shipping delays and Red Sea logistics disruptions tightened supply, reducing available exportable volumes and flexibility.
- Higher energy tariffs and labour costs elevated production expenses, pushing producer offers upward, compressing margins.
- Robust procurement from construction and alumina sectors drew inventories down, intensifying buyer urgency and restocking.
South America
- In Brazil, the Caustic Soda Price Index rose by 2.40% quarter-over-quarter, reflecting firmer export demand.
- The average Caustic Soda price for the quarter was approximately USD 625.33/MT, with balanced supply.
- Caustic Soda Spot Price remained constrained by imports, keeping the regional Price Index largely neutral.
- Caustic Soda Price Forecast shows modest upside as Production Cost Trend tightens with chlorine recovery.
- Domestic Caustic Soda Demand Outlook is subdued seasonally, pressuring the Price Index despite steady imports.
- Inventory levels remained comfortable, and export demand weakness kept the Caustic Soda Price Index depressed.
- Planned maintenance and occasional lower domestic run-rates reduced spot availability, limiting immediate upward pressure significantly.
- Rising freight and BRL-USD volatility elevated landed costs, complicating procurement and supporting marginal price resilience.
Why did the price of Caustic Soda change in September 2025 in South America?
- Ample import volumes and steady domestic production created surplus conditions, pressuring prices lower across region.
- Weakened downstream demand from aluminium and construction curtailed offtake, reducing negotiating urgency for buyers domestically.
- Stable energy costs removed cost-push support, while trade uncertainties and freight volatility constrained export demand.
For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
- Caustic Soda Price Index in North America showed mixed trends over Q2 2025, with FOB USA prices largely holding steady, while CFR USA prices fluctuated due to variable import logistics and trade policy developments.
- Throughout the quarter, the Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend remained stable, as natural gas feedstock prices showed little volatility and chlor-alkali facilities operated near normal utilization. Temporary maintenance activities and brief disruptions (e.g., Westlake Chemical's Force Majeure) had negligible impact on net supply.
- From the Caustic Soda Demand Outlook perspective, U.S. demand was generally consistent across Q2. The aluminum sector, water treatment, and chemical manufacturing provided steady procurement. However, softening trends in secondary aluminum processing, seasonal cable industry shutdowns, and falling aluminum processor PMIs posed intermittent demand risks.
- Importers rebalanced sourcing strategies throughout the quarter, especially in May and June, due to evolving U.S. tariff structures and surging logistics costs. This directly influenced the CFR Caustic Soda Price Index, which remained more volatile than its FOB counterpart.
- Despite global trade tension and variable downstream signals, the Caustic Soda Price Forecast remained stable for the U.S. FOB market heading into Q3, as inventories were well-managed and buyers remained cautious but consistent.
Why did the Caustic Soda Price change in July 2025 in the USA?
- In July 2025, the Caustic Soda Price Index remained unchanged on an FOB USA basis. This was due to stable domestic production levels, steady demand from core sectors like water treatment and chemicals, and the absence of major logistics disruptions.
- Although tariffs introduced uncertainty in the broader chemical trade landscape, buyers remained in a wait-and-watch mode ahead of the August 1 deadline, preventing any speculative activity or abrupt shifts in pricing.
Asia
- The Caustic Soda Price Index in Asia showed an overall stable trajectory during Q2 2025, with prices largely holding firm across May, June, and most of July due to balanced supply-demand fundamentals and minimal upstream volatility.
- The Caustic Soda Demand Outlook across Q2 remained muted domestically in Japan, with the manufacturing sector still contracting and aluminum consumption subdued. However, steady export demand, particularly through intra-Asia channels, played a key role in sustaining price stability despite weak local industrial activity and ongoing U.S. tariff uncertainties.
Why did the caustic soda Price change in July 2025 in Asia?
- The Caustic Soda Price Index in Asia did not exhibit a significant increase or decrease in July 2025. Prices remained stable due to a combination of easing upstream costs, consistent chlor-alkali plant operations, and stable procurement patterns.
- The balance between weak aluminum sector demand and firm service-sector growth maintained steady Caustic Soda Spot Prices.
- Looking forward, the Caustic Soda Price Forecast remains cautiously optimistic, with market participants anticipating continued stability provided no major disruptions occur in macroeconomic policy or trade logistics. The Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend is expected to remain soft if fuel and raw material inputs stay low. Meanwhile, the Caustic Soda Demand Outlook hinges on the recovery pace of key end-use sectors, including aluminum and industrial manufacturing.
Europe
- The Caustic Soda Price Index in Europe remained largely stable throughout Q2 2025, with minimal fluctuations in market dynamics.
- The Caustic Soda Spot Price across Germany and the broader European export market was supported by balanced supply-demand fundamentals, stable industrial activity, and sufficient inventory levels. Despite persistent logistical hurdles and regulatory uncertainties, no sharp upward or downward pressures were recorded over the quarter.
- The Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend benefited from easing energy costs, which fell by 3.5% year-on-year in June, enhancing operational stability. Meanwhile, the Caustic Soda Demand Outlook stayed steady, with consistent procurement from alumina, pulp & paper, and industrial chemicals segments.
- Market participants exercised caution amid European Central Bank policy concerns and trade uncertainties, but there was no major decline in purchasing behavior.
- The Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend continued to benefit from low energy input costs. On the demand side, core industries maintained moderate buying levels, while overall industrial activity showed signs of mild improvement.
Why did the price of caustic soda change in July 2025 in Europe?
- The Caustic Soda Price Index did not increase or decrease in July 2025. Prices remained flat due to balanced supply conditions, consistent downstream demand, and stable operating costs. No sharp external shocks or procurement shifts were recorded during the month.
- Looking ahead, the Caustic Soda Price Forecast in Europe for the upcoming quarter is expected to remain largely stable, barring any major energy cost surges or abrupt changes in regulatory policies. However, market participants are closely watching the impact of upcoming trade measures and potential supply chain shifts from planned plant closures in 2026.
Middle East Asia
- The Caustic Soda Price Index in Saudi Arabia remained stable throughout Q2 2025, supported by consistent supply dynamics and resilient downstream demand.
- Across May, June, and July 2025, Caustic Soda Spot Price fluctuations were minimal as the market maintained a balanced structure between domestic consumption and export commitments.
- Export sentiment in July was cautious due to weak global macroeconomic cues, but long-term contracts ensured steady procurement.
- Stable downstream activity in petrochemicals, water treatment, and aluminum supported the equilibrium in the local market.
Why did the prices of caustic soda change in July 2025 in Middle East?
- The Caustic Soda price change in July 2025 was flat. This stability was driven by firm local demand and uninterrupted production, despite persistent geopolitical risk due to the Israel-Iran conflict. Strategic rerouting of crude flows via the East-West pipeline safeguarded chlor-alkali operations in Jubail and Yanbu.
- The Caustic Soda Price Forecast for the MEA region remains neutral in the short term, as supply-side stability, conservative global demand, and cautious buying behavior are expected to continue defining the regional price trajectory through the next quarter.
South America
- Caustic Soda Price Index in Brazil showed an upward trajectory during Q2 2025, influenced by tightening supply chains, rising freight costs, and stable downstream consumption from sectors such as alumina refining and pulp & paper.
- Despite macroeconomic pressures, import reliance and logistical bottlenecks kept the Caustic Soda Spot Price elevated.
- During May 2025, Caustic Soda prices in Brazil initially declined by 2.6% due to strong overseas supply from the US and East Asia, alongside weakened local demand. The Caustic Soda Production Cost Trend remained relatively unchanged, though high structural costs persisted for Brazilian manufacturers. Weak economic indicators, including inflation (5.53%) and high interest rates (14.75%), dampened industrial output and slowed procurement in core sectors.
- In late June 2025, the upward momentum continued. On June 20, the price reached USD 630/MT, supported by tightening Chinese export availability and robust alumina export activity from Brazil. By June 27, the Price Index climbed to USD 640/MT, driven by port congestion and BRL/USD exchange rate volatility, as well as currency-induced cost pressures and inflation around 4.1%.
- In July 2025, specifically the week ending July 4 and July 11, the Caustic Soda Spot Price remained stable at USD 640/MT CFR Santos, reflecting a pause in the previous upward momentum.
Why did the Caustic Soda Price Index remain unchanged in July 2025 in South America?
- The Price Index remained flat during July due to a balanced supply-demand scenario. Although freight and macroeconomic pressures persisted, uninterrupted U.S. shipments, manageable inventories, and cautious procurement behavior by domestic buyers helped stabilize prices. Hence, no increase or decrease was observed in July.
