Soda Ash Prices

The global soda ash market is expected to record an estimated CAGR of 1. 79% over 2019-2024. Growth in the global washing soda consumption is likely to favor the market growth.

The global soda ash market reached a volume of 57.5 Million Tons in 2019. Soda ash (Na2CO3), also known as sodium carbonate or washing soda, is a white, odorless and non-toxic organic salt of sodium. It is generally found in natural deposits and can also be acquired from the ashes of plants growing in sodium-rich soils. Soda ash belongs to the Chlor-alkali family and is widely used in numerous industries owing to its disinfectant properties. It acts as a vital component in bleach, stain removers, sanitizing sprays, laundry detergents, all-purpose cleaners and automatic dishwashing detergents. It is also utilized as a fungicide, microbicide, herbicide and as a pH adjuster in personal care products.

One of the primary factors that are impelling the growth of the market is the burgeoning glass industry across the world. The demand for glass products has experienced a significant rise in recent years on account of the boosting sales of automobiles and increasing construction activities. Besides glass manufacturing, soda ash is also utilized in the production of several chemicals such as sodium silicate, sodium chromate and dichromate, and sodium bicarbonate and percarbonate. It is also used for making dyes, coloring agents, and adhesives and sealants. Moreover, as soda ash aids in maintaining the pH level of water, it is employed in the manufacturing of soaps, detergents and shampoos. The rising demand for these products, due to growing awareness among consumers about personal hygiene, is providing a positive thrust to the sales of soda ash. Additionally, the increasing number of wastewater treatment projects supported by stringent government regulations in various countries is further influencing the market growth. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the global soda ash market to continue to grow during the next five years.

Soda ash is widely used in the manufacturing of glass as it helps in regulating the temperature of the furnace to attain stability. The increasing adoption of glass packaging solutions in the food and beverage, pharmaceutical and personal care industries is strengthening the market growth in this segment.

On the geographical front, China represents the largest market for soda ash across the world. This can be attributed to the presence of several players in the country and the increasing use of soda ash in large-scale textile and pulp and paper industries. China is one of the largest producers of soda ash in the world. Around 1.4 million metric ton of soda ash is being shipped on vessels yearly from China. The production capacity of soda ash in the country is around 29.7 million metric ton, and demand was around 25.53 million metric ton in 2018.
According to GHCL Limited, the total soda ash installed capacity in India was about 4.0 million metric ton, with a production of about 3.2 million metric ton in the last financial year (2018-19), and about 22% of the demand is being achieved by imports.

Owing to the growing construction industry activities in the Japan, the demand for flat glass is increasing. Moreover, in Japan, pharmaceutical and beverage industries are also driving the demand for container glass. All such factors are expected to increase the demand for soda ash in the country during the forecast period.

Some of the leading players operating in the market are:

• Solvay S.A.
• Tata Chemicals Limited
• Shandong Haihua Group Co. Ltd.
• Tronox Limited
• Nirma Limited