August 28 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/ton, a decrease of 27.71% compared to the same period last year. On August 27, the chlor-alkali index in China was 714 points, unchanged from yesterday, and it has decreased by 66.45% from the highest point of 2128 points (on October 24, 2021). Compared to the lowest point of 707 points on February 27, 2026, it has increased by 0.99%. (Note: The period refers to the time from December 1, 2011, to the present.)
2. Market Analysis
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices in China showed a consolidation trend this week. In Shandong, the mainstream market price for 32% ion membrane caustic soda is around 590-670 CNY/ton. In Zhejiang, the delivered price to Xiaoshan for 32% ion membrane caustic soda is around 830-860 CNY/ton. In Inner Mongolia, the 32% ion membrane caustic soda prices are consolidating, with the mainstream market price at around 1850-1950 CNY/ton (converted to 100%).
This week, the regional market for liquid alkali in China showed little fluctuation, mostly maintaining a stable trend. Looking ahead to next week, there is an expectation of increased load in the chlor-alkali plants in Shandong. However, the lack of new export orders makes it difficult to drive up the price of alkali. Downstream operations have increased somewhat, but some aluminum plants are only moderately restocking based on their own inventory levels, while alumina plants show low interest in spot trading, leading to a decline in quoted prices. Demand from non-aluminum downstream sectors remains weak, with most purchasing on a need basis, and without any positive changes, the market is under pressure.
Analysts believe that the caustic soda prices have been stable recently this week. Recently, downstream alumina in China has been receiving goods, while non-aluminum enterprises have been receiving goods at a general level. Next week, there will be both maintenance and operation for caustic soda, but due to large inventories, it is not a substantial positive factor. However, most brands still intend to maintain stability. The overall supply and demand competition suggests that caustic soda may tend towards a consolidation phase, depending specifically on the downstream market demand.
