September 18th, news:
I. Price Trends
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices in China showed a strong trend this week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was around 637 CNY/ton, and by the end of the week, it had risen to around 639 CNY/ton, an increase of 0.31%. Compared to the same period last year, the price has fallen by 24.82%. On September 17, the chlor-alkali index in China was 734 points, a decrease of 1 point from the previous day. It has dropped by 65.51% from the highest point of 2128 points (on October 24, 2021) and has increased by 3.82% from the lowest point of 707 points on February 27, 2026. (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 strong trend this week. In Shandong, the mainstream market price for 32% ion-membrane caustic soda is around 580-700 CNY/ton. In Zhejiang, the delivered price for 32% ion-membrane caustic soda in Xiaoshan is around 830-860 CNY/ton. In Inner Mongolia, the caustic soda prices are stable, with the mainstream market price for 32% ion-membrane caustic soda (on a 100% basis) around 1850-1950 CNY/ton.
This week, the 32% liquid alkali prices in Shandong region of China showed mixed trends, but the overall market was relatively strong. The overall load in Shandong was basically controlled at around 80%, and it is estimated that some non-aluminum sectors will stock up appropriately before the holiday, while chlor-alkali plants will control their inventory before the holiday. The price of alumina showed a fluctuating trend, and currently, the procurement pace of raw materials by alumina plants is normal. The probability of large-scale production cuts in the short term is low, and it is expected that prices will still maintain a weak and fluctuating trend. Non-aluminum downstream demand continues to be met on a need basis.
Analysts believe that the caustic soda prices have shown a strong trend recently this week. Recently, downstream alumina companies in China have been purchasing according to demand, while non-aluminum enterprises have been making average purchases. Although pre-holiday stockpiling is expected next week, there are also expectations for maintenance among caustic soda manufacturers. The overall supply and demand dynamics suggest that caustic soda prices may tend to consolidate, with the specific trend depending on the downstream market demand.
