October 23rd, according to reports
I. Price Trends
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices in China were generally weak this week. The average market price at the beginning of the week was around 629 CNY/ton, and by the end of the week, it was around 627 CNY/ton, with a price increase of 0.32% and a year-on-year decrease of 26.06%. On October 22, the fluorine chemical index in China was 1481 points, unchanged from the previous day. Compared to the highest point of 1487 points on October 14, 2026, it decreased by 0.40%, and compared to the lowest point of 574 points on November 15, 2016, it increased by 158.01%. (Note: The period refers to December 1, 2011, to the present.)
2. Market Analysis
According to the commodity analysis system, the caustic soda prices in China showed a weak trend this week. In Shandong, the mainstream market price for 32% ion membrane caustic soda is around 570-620 CNY/ton. In Zhejiang, the delivered price for 32% ion membrane caustic soda in Xiaoshan is around 800-830 CNY/ton. In Inner Mongolia, the prices for 32% ion membrane caustic soda are stable, with the mainstream market price around 1800-1900 CNY/ton (converted to 100%). The liquid caustic soda prices in southern Shandong have been declining, while the northern part remains stable, but the actual negotiation focus is gradually shifting downward. Currently, the capacity utilization rate of alumina plants has decreased, and the procurement price of caustic soda has also declined. It is expected that the prices will continue to maintain a weak trend. Non-aluminum downstream demand continues to be mostly on a need-to-buy basis.
Analysts believe that the caustic soda prices have been weak recently, and this week's trend is also on the weaker side. Recently, China's downstream alumina buyers have mostly purchased according to their needs, while non-aluminum enterprises have shown moderate purchasing. Next week, the chlor-alkali load in Shandong may recover to over 83%, increasing market supply. The overall supply and demand dynamics suggest that caustic soda may trend towards a weak consolidation, depending on the specific downstream market demand.
