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Global Soda Ash Market Demand & Forecast Analysis, 2016-2036

Soda Ash Market Size 

The global Soda Ash market size is estimated to surpass USD 18 billion by 2032, from the current market size of USD 13 billion, at a CAGR of 3% from 2023 to 2032. Soda ash, also known as sodium carbonate (Na2CO3), is a white, odorless powder that is widely used in various industries. It has several applications, including in the manufacture of glass, detergents, chemicals, and other industrial processes. The production of soda ash involves two main methods: the Solvay process and the Trona ore process.

Soda Ash Supply Overview

The global soda ash capacity was recorded to be around 74,500 kilo tons with Asia Pacific accounting for over 52% of the global Soda Ash capacity. There are over 40 producers of soda ash in Asia-Pacific with a total combined capacity of about 39,000 kilo tons. Shandong Haihua Co., Ltd., Tangshan Sanyou Chemical Co., Ltd., Henan Jinshan Chemical Co., Ltd., Nirma Ltd., are the top producers of soda ash in the Asia Pacific region. In the region, Solvay process and Hou process are widely used for the production of soda ash.  Shandong Haihua Group is major manufacturer in China and operates a 3000 kilo tons plant at Weifang, Shandong. In the short term forecast period, over 5000 kilo tons of new Soda Ash capacity is estimated to commence operation in the region.

Global Soda Ash Demand Supply Analysis, 2016-2032 (Kilo Tons)

Soda Ash Demand supply
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates
North America accounts for a around 20% of global Soda Ash capacity with US being the sole manufacture in the region. Genesis Alkali is the largest manufacturer in the US with installed capacity of 4,365 kilo tons. The company has two manufacturing facilities located in Green river, Wyoming and Granger, Wyoming.

Soda Ash Demand, By Source

Soda ash can be sourced from two origins, natural (trona) and synthetic. Natural Soda Ash results from the extraction of naturally occurring Trona ore, which is further processed via filtering, concentration, crystallisation and drying to yield soda ash. With trona and commercially viable trona deposits found in the USA, Turkey, and smaller, chemically less pure deposits in China, natural soda ash contributes to over 30% of global production. Wyoming, USA, and Turkey are the exclusive producers of natural soda.

Synthetic Soda Ash is produced using a chemical production process called Solvay or Hou method, where the salt (sodium chloride) is mixed with limestone and coking coal in the presence of ammonia to produce soda ash. Synthetic soda ash accounts for around 70% of the global soda ash production and is more costly and far more energy and water intensive production process than natural production methods.

Global Soda Ash Demand, By Region, 2022 (Kilo Tons)

Global Soda Ash Demand, By Region, 2022 (Kilo Tons)
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates

Soda Ash Demand by Region

The global Soda Ash market has grown at an annual average growth rate of 2% in last five years. Asia Pacific is the largest market for soda ash accounting for more than 60% of the global demand. Increasing demand for glass from China and other Asian countries due to the expanding automotive industry will positively impact the soda ash market. In the long-term forecast, the demand growth for glass in the region is estimated to grow on accounts of increased growth from flat glass and detergent products.

Soda Ash Demand by Grade

In terms of soda ash demand by grade, dense soda ash dominates the soda ash market accounting for more than 65% of the total demand. Dense soda ash is used for the manufacture of glass because it has granular properties which makes the glass dust-free and lowers the risk of breakage during transportation and handling.

Global Soda Ash Demand, By Application, 2016-2032 (Kilo Tons)

Global Soda Ash Demand, By Application, 2016-2032 (Kilo Tons)
Source: Secondary & Primary Research and Prismane Consulting estimates

Soda Ash Demand by Application

In terms of soda ash demand by application, the soda ash market is dominated by glass manufacturing application accounting for more than 48% of the total demand. Soda ash is used to manufacture flat glass, container glass and other glass. It is used as the main component because soda ash decreases the temperature, and the alkali helps in maintaining the shape of the glass. Other major applications are soaps and detergents, chemicals, flue gas desulfurization and water treatment. 

Soda Ash Trade Overview

The United States has emerged as a major player in the soda ash export market, with an annual export volume exceeding 6500 kilo tons consistently over the past five years. As a close neighbor, Mexico has consistently been a significant importer of soda ash from the USA. The soda ash demand in Mexico is driven by various industries, including glass manufacturing, detergents, and chemicals.

Chile has emerged as another prominent destination for USA s soda ash exports. The country s steady economic growth and increased industrial activities have fueled the soda ash demand, making it a valuable market for American Soda Ash exporters.

While Brazil has traditionally been a major importer of soda ash from the USA, recent years have seen a decline in import volumes. From 980 kilo tons in 2016, the import figure has dropped to 600 kilo tons in 2022. However, Soda Ash imports from Turkey has increased from 13 kilo tons to 581 kilo tons during the same period.

In recent years, Turkey has experienced a surge in soda ash exports, witnessing a remarkable increase from 1316 kilo tons in 2016 to 4450 kilo tons in 2022. This exponential growth can be largely attributed to the establishment of the Kazan Soda Elektrik 2500 kilo tons plant, a new entrant in the market that has quickly become a major player. Additionally, existing industry giants like Soda Sanayii (Sisecam) and Eti Soda (Ciner Group) have expanded their capacities, further contributing to Turkey s growing presence in the global soda ash trade. Turkey s soda ash exports have found strong demand in various international markets, with Brazil, Spain, and Italy emerging as major importers.  Brazil, historically known for its significant imports from Turkey, continues to be a major partner in the soda ash trade.    

Soda Ash Market Dynamics 

Driver: Rising demand for glass and detergents

Soda Ash is widely used in the manufacture of flat glass, where it helps in reducing the melting temperature of the sand used in glass formation and helps in the shaping of glass articles such as tableware and float glass. Flat glass is mainly used to produce glass used in the automotive industry (tempered glass) and in the construction industry (windows and doors replacement). The rising demand for glass from various end-use industries will drive the soda ash demand in the forecast period.

In soap and detergent manufacturing, it is often used to adjust the pH of the formulation and controlling the pH is crucial for the effectiveness of cleaning agents and ensures stability in the product. The rising demand for soaps and detergents from various countries, especially Asian countries will positively impact the soda ash market in the upcoming years. 

Restraint: Environmental Hazards

The manufacturing of paper and pulp can have significant environmental impacts which will negatively impact the soda ash market. Reduced demand for paper could lead to lower consumption of soda ash, which is used in the manufacturing of glass and other products related to the paper industry. Air pollution concerns may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and pressure on industries associated with pollution, hindering the soda ash market growth.

Restraint: Availability of substitutes

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and ethoxylated propylene glycol can be used as substitutes for soda ash in certain detergent formulations. Surfactants like SLS and ethoxylated propylene glycol serve different functions but can help in overall cleaning efficiency of detergents. SLS and ethoxylated propylene glycol can be cost-effective alternatives to soda ash in certain detergent formulations, contributing to overall cost savings in the production process.

In some detergent formulations, SLS can partially or completely replace soda ash as a cleaning agent as it contributes to the overall cleaning performance by enhancing the wetting and dispersing of soils in water.

Recent Developments in the Soda Ash Market

In December 2023, Solvay partnered with ENOWA, the energy and water company of NEOM in Saudi Arabia, to build world’s first carbon-neutral soda ash manufacturing plant within the NEOM region of the country. The 500 kilo tons plant is projected to commence operations by 2030 which will be further increased to 1,500 kilo tons by 2035. The facility will utilize the e.Solvay process to transform seawater brine into soda ash, ensuring a carbon-neutral and sustainable production of soda ash.

In 2023, Gujarat Heavy Chemicals Limited (GHCL) announced that the company is planning on a greenfield expansion at their Mandvi District, Gujarat plant by setting up a new complex which will produce light and dense soda ash. 

The Egyptian Soda Ash Company is planning on constructing a new soda ash manufacturing facility which is set to start construction work in 2024. The plant will have a production capacity of 600 kilo tons and is planning to start by 2026. 

Solvay plans to resume construction of its 600 kilo tons soda ash capacity expansion in 1 Green River, WY, USA and the production is expected to start at the end of 2024 to meet the rising demand of the customers.

Scope of Report 

The Soda Ash report describes the global Soda Ash market, with focus on the country, applications and other end-use scenarios. The study provides

Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
•  Demand-Supply Analysis
•  Demand Composition, by Source, Denstiy and Applications
•  Capacity & Production
•  Trade (Import, Export and Net Export)
•  Sales & Revenue
•  Pricing Analysis
•  Market Dynamics

Country Summaries & Product Review
•  Supply Demand Balance 
•  Soda Ash Market data in terms of volume and value for each end-use 
   at regional and country level
•  Soda Ash Market analysis for Production, Capacity and Demand, at regional and country level
•  Historical, Current & Market Forecast
•  Macro-economic factors like GDP, Population and World Economic integration
•  Economic & Energy Outlook
•  Industry & Policy Developments 
•  End-use Industry / Applications Market 
•  Reasoning & Analysis
•  Insightful Commentary
•  Market Review
•  Comparative Analysis
•  Latest Trends and market developments
•  Key players
•  Strategic Issues and Recommendations
•  Business Opportunity Assessment

1.  Introduction
      •  Scope
      •  Market Coverage
          -  Source
          -  Density
          -  Applications
          -  Regions
          -  Countries
      •  Years Considered
          -  Historical - 2016 – 2022
          -  Base - 2023
          -  Forecast Period - 2024 – 2036
      •  Research Methodology
          -  Approach
          -  Research Methodology
          -  Prismane Consulting Market Models
          -  Assumptions & Limitations
          -  Abbreviations & Definitions
          -  Conversion Factors
          -  Data Sources
2.  Market Synopsis 
      •  Market Evolution
      •  Demand-Supply Overview
      •  Industry Structure
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  End-use Trends
      •  Growth Forecast
3.  Economic & Energy Outlook
      •  GDP and Demographics
      •  Monetary & Fiscal Policies
      •  Crude Oil Production and prices
      •  Natural Gas
      •  Electricity Prices
4.  End-use Sector Performance
      •  Chemicals
      •  Pulp & Paper
      •  Metallurgy
      •  Water Treatment
      •  Glass
      •  Others
5.  Plants & Projects Analysis
      •  Soda Ash Production Capacity, by Company
      •  Soda Ash Production Capacity, by Country and by region
      •  Capacity Overview
6.  Introduction to Soda Ash and Market Overview 
      •  Product Description
      •  Grades & Properties
      •  Raw Material
      •  Manufacturing Process
      •  Environmental Issues
      •  Value Chain
      •  Applications
7.  Market Dynamics and Industry Trends 
      •  Market Dynamics 
          -  Drivers
          -  Restraints
          -  Opportunities
          -  Challenges
8.  Global Soda Ash Demand-Supply Analysis, By Source, By Density, By Applications (Volume, Value) (2016–2036)
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  Demand-Supply Analysis and Forecast (2016 – 2036)
          -  Capacity
          -  Capacity Utilization (%)
          -  Production
          -  Imports
          -  Exports
          -  Net Trade
          -  Demand
          -  Demand Growth Rate (%)
          -  Driving Force Analysis
      •  Global Soda Ash Market, By Source
          -  Natural (Trona)
          -  Synthetic
      •  Global Soda Ash Market, By Density
          -  Light Soda Ash
          -  Dense Soda Ash
      •  Global Soda Ash Market, By Applications
          -  Glass 
               -  Flat Glass 
               - Container Glass
               - Others
          -  Soaps & Detergents
          -  Chemicals
          -  Pulp & Paper
          -  Flue Gas desulphurization
          -  Alumina & Metallurgy
          -  Water Treatment
          -  Others
9.  Demand-Supply Analysis and Market Review, By Region, By Country (Volume, Value), (2016– 2036)
      •  Strategic Issues
      •  Capacity
      •  Capacity Utilization (%)
      •  Production
      •  Imports
      •  Exports
      •  Net Exports
      •  Demand
      •  Demand Growth Rate (%)
      •  Soda Ash Market, By Source
      •  Soda Ash Market, By Density
      •  Soda Ash Market, By Applications
Note: Demand-Supply Analysis has been provided for all major Regions / Countries as mentioned below. The demand-supply (consumption) split by source, density and applications has been provided for each of the countries/regions in Volume (Kilotons) and Value (USD Million).
      •  North America
         -  USA
         -  Canada
         -  Mexico
      •  Western Europe
         -  Germany
         -  France
         -  Italy
         -  United Kingdom
         -  Spain
         -  Rest of Western Europe
      •  Central & Eastern Europe
         -  Russia
         -  Poland
         -  Rest of Central & Eastern Europe
      •  Asia-Pacific
         -  China
         -  Japan
         -  India
         -  South Korea
         -  Rest of Asia-Pacific
      •  Central & South America
         -  Brazil
         -  Rest of CSA
      •  Middle East & Africa
         -  GCC
         -  South Africa
         -  Rest of MEA
Note: CAGR will be calculated for all the source, density and applications to arrive at the regional/global demand growth for the forecast period (2024 – 2036)
10.  Pricing Analysis
      •  Average Soda Ash Prices, USD/Kg
      •  Average Soda Ash prices, by Country 
      •  Average Soda Ash prices, by Region
      •  Price Forecast
11.  Key Strategic Issues
12.  Business Opportunity Assessment 
      •  Market Attractiveness Assessment
      •  Prospective & Target Market Study
13.  Strategic Recommendation & Suggestions
14.  Company Analysis and Market Share Analysis
      •  Soda Ash Manufacturers Profiles/ Company Analysis
         -  Basic Details
         - Headquarters, Key Markets
         -  Ownership
         -  Company Financial
         -  Manufacturing Bases
         -  Global Turnover
         -  Total Employee
         -  Product Portfolio / Services / Solutions
         -  Recent Developments
         -  Companies Covered
             -  Solvay SA
             -  Tata Chemicals
             -  Nirma Limited
             -  CIECH SA
             -  GHCL Limited
             -  CINER Group
             -  TRONOX
             -  Bashkir Soda Company - BSC
             -  Soda Sanayii
             -  DCW LTD
             -  BIRLA VXL
             -  Saurashtra Chemicals Ltd.
             -  Tuticorin Alkali Chemicals& Fertilizers Ltd.
             -  Rohit Surfactants
             -  Tangshan Sanyou Chemical industry
             -  Shandong Haihua CO. Ltd.
             -  Henan Jinshan Chemical Group
             -  Qinghai Salt Lake Magnesium
             -  Sinopec Nanjing Chemical-Lianyungang Soda plant
             -  Henzan Zhongyuan Chemical Co. Ltd
             -  Magdai Soda-TATA Group
             -  Other Manufacturers
Note: This section includes company information, company financials, manufacturing bases, and operating regions. Company financials have been mentioned only for those companies where financials were available in SEC Filings, annual reports, or company websites. All the reported financials in this report are in U.S. Dollars. Financials reported in other currencies have been converted using average currency conversion rates. Company profiles may include manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors.
15.  Appendices
      •  Demand-Supply - Regions
      •  Demand-Supply– Countries
      •  Capacities, 2016-2036

Scope of Report 

The Soda Ash report describes the global Soda Ash market, with focus on the country, applications and other end-use scenarios. The study provides

Market Data & Forecast (Short-term and Long-term)
•  Demand-Supply Analysis
•  Demand Composition, by Source, Denstiy and Applications
•  Capacity & Production
•  Trade (Import, Export and Net Export)
•  Sales & Revenue
•  Pricing Analysis
•  Market Dynamics

Country Summaries & Product Review
•  Supply Demand Balance 
•  Soda Ash Market data in terms of volume and value for each end-use 
   at regional and country level
•  Soda Ash Market analysis for Production, Capacity and Demand, at regional and country level
•  Historical, Current & Market Forecast
•  Macro-economic factors like GDP, Population and World Economic integration
•  Economic & Energy Outlook
•  Industry & Policy Developments 
•  End-use Industry / Applications Market 
•  Reasoning & Analysis
•  Insightful Commentary
•  Market Review
•  Comparative Analysis
•  Latest Trends and market developments
•  Key players
•  Strategic Issues and Recommendations
•  Business Opportunity Assessment


Frequently Asked Questions

How big is the Soda Ash market?
The global Soda Ash market size is estimated to surpass USD 18 billion by 2032, from the current market size of USD 13 billion, at a CAGR of 3% from 2023 to 2036.
What is the global Soda Ash installed capacity?
The global soda ash capacity was recorded to be around 74,500 kilo tons with Asia Pacific accounting for over 52% of the global Soda Ash capacity.
Which region dominates the global Soda Ash Market?
Asia Pacific is the largest market for soda ash accounting for more than 60% of the global demand.