August 14 news
I. Price Trends
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices in China were generally stable this week. The average market price from the beginning to the end of the week was around 639 CNY per ton, a 25% decrease compared to the same period last year. On August 13, the chlor-alkali index in China was 717 points, up 1 point from the previous day, down 66.31% from the highest point of 2128 points (October 24, 2021), and up 1.41% from the lowest point of 707 points on February 27, 2026. (Note: The period refers to December 1, 2011, to the present.)
2. Market Analysis
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices showed a consolidation trend this week. In Shandong, the mainstream market quotation for 32% ion membrane caustic soda is around 590-670 CNY/ton. In Zhejiang, the mainstream market quotation for 32% ion membrane caustic soda delivered to Xiaoshan is around 830-860 CNY/ton. In Inner Mongolia, the prices for 32% ion membrane caustic soda are consolidating, with the mainstream market quotation at about 2000-2100 CNY/ton (on a 100% basis). This week, the regional market for liquid caustic soda in China showed little fluctuation, mostly maintaining a stable but slightly weak trend. Next week, some equipment will undergo maintenance, and the overall operating load is expected to be around 80%. Downstream operations have increased somewhat, but some aluminum plants are only moderately restocking based on their inventory levels, while alumina plants are not very active in spot trading and are being cautious with their quotations. Non-aluminum downstream demand remains sluggish, with most purchases made as needed, and there is no improvement, putting pressure on the market.
Analysts believe that the caustic soda prices have been stable recently this week. Recently, downstream alumina companies in China have been receiving goods, while non-aluminum companies have been receiving goods at a general rate. Due to large inventories, there is no substantial positive impact on caustic soda prices. However, most brands still intend to maintain stability. The overall supply and demand dynamics suggest that caustic soda prices may tend to consolidate, depending on the specific downstream market demand.
