Maintenance shutdowns are gradually being restored, leading to an improved supply outlook.

Soda ash plant maintenance continues, keeping supply at a relatively low level. As maintenance activities gradually conclude, production is expected to increase in the subsequent period. Downstream demand remains generally moderate, with purchases primarily based on actual needs; spot and futures prices are low, yet transaction volumes have been decent. Market sentiment is lukewarm, and inventory accumulation intentions are weak. In the short term, soda ash prices are likely to trade within a fluctuating range, remaining largely stable, though some high-priced offers may soften.

Key focus points for the recent soda ash market:

1. Soda ash trading activity and pending order backlog.
2. Impact of high ocean freight rates on soda ash imports and exports.
3. Downstream inventory levels and plant operating status.
4. Progress of soda ash plant maintenance and restarts.
5. Soda ash producer inventories and price adjustments.
6. Futures price volatility and macroeconomic drivers.

Recently, scheduled maintenance at soda ash producers has been implemented, leading to an overall downward trend in supply with significant output losses. Based on current maintenance schedules, these disruptions are expected to persist until late month or month-end. Currently, daily soda ash production stands at approximately 84,000 tons, marking a new low for this year.

1. Maintenance execution leads to lower operating rates