In the quarter concluding in September 2023, Soda Ash prices saw an increase in the North American region, driven by growing international demand and a rise in consumption within the glass industry. Compounding this trend were uncertainties in production run rates and supply disruptions caused by Hurricane Idalia, which, in turn, limited stock availability in the middle of the quarter. Additionally, the export prices of Soda Ash in the USA were affected by the rise in output costs amid high energy prices. The Soda Ash market in the US experienced bullishness due to improved international and domestic offers during the week. Consequently, market players faced a shortage of inventories to meet existing offers. From a demand perspective, Soda Ash prices gained strength in the US market, propelled by increased glass consumption in the nation’s automotive industry since the beginning of August 2023. As a result, the average month-on-month price of Soda Ash light stood at USD 33/MT Ex-Works Wyoming (USA) at the conclusion of Q3.
In the quarter concluding in September 2023, the European Soda Ash market experienced a significant price increase. This rise was fueled by growing uncertainties surrounding production rates in the Chlor Alkali industry, causing caution among Soda Ash market participants. Concerns about reduced demand in the glass industry segment were overshadowed by supply reductions within the Eurozone. Additionally, industrial producer prices in August 2023 recorded a 0.6% increase and remained stable in September 2023, indicating sustained inflationary pressures in the regional market, as per data from the Eurostat Commission. In Germany, during August 2023, Soda Ash prices gained upward momentum as regional participants gradually returned from extended summer vacations and engaged in pre-purchasing activities for the upcoming month with caution. The upcoming weeks are anticipated to be more influenced by declining production rates than by low demand. Consequently, the recent upswing in Soda Ash prices in Europe in Q3 was driven by limited supplies and an increase in international and regional offers, including those from Belgium and other European countries, amid the expansion in automotive industry sales volume.
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