Price trends

According to data from the SunSirs spot market tracking service, soda ash prices declined in June; the average market price for light soda ash was 1,176 RMB/ton at the beginning of the month and around 1,156 RMB/ton at the end, representing a decrease of 20 RMB/ton—or 1.70%—over the course of the month.

Market Analysis

According to data monitored by SunSirs, the soda ash market trend continued to decline in June. On the supply side, soda ash production facilities resumed operations, leading to a rise in operating rates and total market output, which increased the pressure on enterprises to move inventory. Regarding demand, operating rates in the downstream glass industry remained low; companies focused primarily on consuming existing stocks, resulting in overall weak demand for soda ash. Market fundamentals continued to reflect a pattern of strong supply and weak demand, placing downward pressure on prices and causing the market to trend lower throughout the month.

As of June 30, 2026, the prevailing market price for light soda ash in East China was approximately 1,070–1,560 RMB/ton, down 30 RMB/ton month-on-month; in Central China, the prevailing price was around 990–1,100 RMB/ton, down 60–100 RMB/ton month-on-month; and in North China, the prevailing price was around 1,150–1,250 RMB/ton, down 30 RMB/ton month-on-month.

Regarding demand: Data from the SunSirs commodity analysis system indicates that glass prices trended downward in June, with the market average price falling from 13.25 RMB/m² to 12.70 RMB/m²—an overall decline of 4.15%. The glass industry faces ample supply, while downstream sectors have entered the off-season for demand, resulting in sluggish market trading. The prevailing pattern of high supply and low demand remains difficult to reverse, capping price increases and keeping the market at low levels throughout the month.

Market Overview and Outlook

As of the end of June, soda ash spot supply remained high, placing significant pressure on market inventories. Meanwhile, the downstream glass industry was slow to reduce stocks, with soda ash procurement driven primarily by immediate needs. Market sentiment was bearish, and the outlook suggests soda ash prices will undergo narrow-range consolidation; future trends will depend largely on the rate of inventory depletion.

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