In November, China's soda ash market showed a strong upward trend

December 1st News

I. Price Trends

According to the commodity analysis system, the price of soda ash showed an upward trend in November. At the beginning of the month, the average market price of light soda ash was 1,186 CNY/ton, and by the end of the month, it had risen to around 1,224 CNY/ton, with a monthly price increase of 38 CNY/ton, representing a 3.20% increase.

II. Market Analysis

According to the commodity analysis system, the soda ash market in November showed a strong trend. On the supply side, due to plant maintenance or reduced production, the overall operating rate declined, and enterprise inventories decreased, leading to an increase in soda ash quotations. On the demand side, the glass industry's production showed minor fluctuations, but there was an increase in the enthusiasm for purchasing soda ash, resulting in a decrease in total soda ash inventory. The market sentiment was clearly bullish, and the price of soda ash showed a strong upward trend during the month.

As of November 30, 2025, the mainstream market price for light soda ash in East China is around 1,180-1,550 CNY/ton, an increase of 50-150 CNY/ton from the previous month; in Central China, the mainstream price for light soda ash is around 1,110-1,220 CNY/ton, an increase of 20 CNY/ton; in North China, the mainstream price for light soda ash is around 1,250-1,270 CNY/ton, an increase of 80-100 CNY/ton.

On the demand side: According to the commodity analysis system, this month the price range for glass has been fluctuating. The average market price of glass has dropped from 13.85 yuan per square meter to 13.68 yuan per square meter, representing an overall price decrease of 1.23%. During the month, the glass production utilization rate declined slightly, and corporate inventories decreased marginally. Downstream demand remained moderate, with buyers primarily responding to immediate needs. Market transaction activity was sluggish, leading to limited inventory reduction and a generally weaker outlook for glass prices.

Future Market Forecast: With significant plant maintenance and reduced production at soda ash plants, supply-side pressure is easing. Meanwhile, downstream facilities have planned cold repairs, leading to lower expected operating rates and insufficient support for the soda ash market. Overall, the fundamental market conditions remain characterized by strong supply and weak demand. We expect the soda ash market to fluctuate and consolidate in December, with the specific trend depending on how downstream sectors respond.