1. Price Trend
The price of soda ash rose in March. The average market price of light soda ash at the beginning of the month increased by 2.02% compared with the average market price at the end of the month.
2. Market Analysis
The soda ash market saw a slight increase in prices in March. Soda ash plant operating rates remained above 80%. While some companies underwent maintenance during the month, leading to a slight price increase, market supply remained high, resulting in continued supply pressure. On the demand side, glass industry production lines underwent cold repairs, leading to weak demand for soda ash. Companies primarily relied on depleting their existing inventory, resulting in generally low purchasing activity. The market’s supply exceeded demand, suppressing price increases and leading to relatively low market volatility throughout the month.
As of March 31, 2026, the mainstream market price of light soda ash in East China was around 1150-1560 yuan/ton, up 30 yuan/ton month-on-month; the mainstream price of light soda ash in Central China was around 1100-1200 yuan/ton, remaining stable compared to the previous month; and the mainstream price of light soda ash in North China was around 1220-1270 yuan/ton, up 20 yuan/ton month-on-month.
On the demand side: Glass prices rose initially and then fell this month, with the average market price increasing from 13.38 yuan/square meter to 13.50 yuan/square meter, a total increase of 0.90%. The glass industry’s operating rate was low during the month, with some production lines still undergoing maintenance. Companies primarily maintained prices, but downstream demand provided limited support. Later, as essential demand picked up, market activity weakened, leading to a slight decrease in glass prices.
Market Outlook: Currently, the spot market for soda ash is relatively stable. In the later period, some plants will increase their operating rates, leading to increased inventory pressure in the market. Downstream glass manufacturers still have plans for production line maintenance, which will further reduce operating rates and decrease demand for soda ash. The fundamentals of soda ash remain one of strong supply and weak demand. It is expected that the soda ash market will consolidate with a slightly weak trend in the short term, depending on the downstream market’s follow-up.
Post time: Apr-01-2026