Soda ash market set off a new round of price hikes. Compared to the early of August, prevailing prices for local light and dense soda ash increased by about RMB300-400/t FD with narrowing differences among regions. In general, the mainstream prices for light and dense soda ash were pegged over RMB 2000/t and RMB 2200/t FD. In northwest, central and southwest of China, most soda ash business closed their nomination. From the overall analysis, major factors impacted the rising of soda ash market were as following: environmental protection policy, supply, cost and demand side.

Besides, demands from downstream were still increasing while supply of soda ash was in shortage. The rising prices of soda ash lead to the imbalance between the supply and demand. From this connection, some downstream users alternate cheaper soda ash for flake soda. Other businesses tend to America soda products with price advantages. But due to long-term transportation and less inventory, it was still unfeasible at present. Therefore, the soda ash market is expected to maintain upward movement. The predicted prices for light and dense soda ash may up to RMB 2300/t and RMB 2400/t respectively.