On January 4, the quotation for soda ash in East China was as follows: the mainstream market price for light soda ash ranged approximately from 1,120 to 1,560 yuan per ton, with a decrease of 20 to 40 yuan per ton; the mainstream market price for heavy soda ash ranged approximately from 1,170 to 1,300 yuan per ton, with a decrease of 30 yuan per ton. The operating rate of soda ash production experienced a slight decline, while some enterprises resumed operations, leading to an increase in market inventory. Downstream procurement followed demand-based patterns, and the overall trading atmosphere remained subdued. Consequently, the soda ash market in East China exhibited a weak downward trend.