Production: Autumn sea salt harvesting has begun in some areas of North China, potentially increasing future sea salt supply. Capacity originally planned to start in September in North China and East China has seen some delays. Imported salt arrival prices have been affected by the Middle East geopolitical conflict, with freight rates rising slightly. Downstream soda ash and chlor-alkali enterprises have shown generally moderate purchasing activity.
During this week (Aug 28–Sep 3, 2026), the average capacity utilization rate of sampled Chinese caustic soda enterprises with annual capacity of 100,000 tonnes or above was 78.1%, up 1.0 percentage point week on week. Five chlor-alkali units were under maintenance during the week, five units resumed operation after maintenance, and some load adjustments were made due to temporary liquid chlorine and power supply factors. By region, operating rates increased in Northwest China, Central China, East China, and Northeast China, while North China and Southwest China saw declines. Among these, Shandong's chlor-alkali operating rate was 79.3%, up 0.5 percentage point week on week. Looking to next week, although no chlor-alkali units are scheduled for maintenance, some maintenance this week was carried out in the later part of the period, lowering the baseline operating rate at the beginning of next week, especially in Northwest China. Next week, an estimated three units are expected to restart after maintenance, and the national chlor-alkali operating rate is expected to be around 77.9%.
During this week (Aug 28–Sep 3, 2026), the comprehensive soda ash capacity utilization rate was 75.47%, down 4.97 percentage points from 80.44% in the previous week. Among them, the ammonia-soda process capacity utilization rate was 74.16%, down 1.15 percentage points week on week; the co-production process capacity utilization rate was 65.48%, down 1.72 percentage points week on week. The overall capacity utilization rate of 16 enterprises with annual capacity of 1 million tonnes or above was 83.28%, down 5.35 percentage points week on week.
Weekly Price Changes in Domestic Raw Salt Markets
Unit: yuan/tonne
| Market | This Week | Last Week | Change | Change Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North China (sea salt) | 205-210 | 210-220 | -5/-10 | -2.4%/-4.5% |
| North China (well and rock salt) | 190-200 | 190-210 | 0/-10 | 0/-4.8% |
The downward trend in raw salt prices persisted during the week. The major downstream chlor-alkali enterprise in Shandong reduced its sea salt tender price by 20 yuan/tonne. Chlor-alkali enterprises increased their use of well and rock salt, and the slight reduction in sea salt output did not significantly affect supply. During the earlier spring-harvest sea salt price increase, some sea salt enterprises had stocked up and been reluctant to sell. As autumn salt production approaches, these enterprises have become more active in selling, leading to a rapid salt price decline amid a scramble to sell.
In North China, well and rock salt enterprises are currently operating normally, mainly fulfilling earlier orders. Mine salt inventories remain low, and truck transport remains tight. Some enterprises will enter maintenance in September, with supply expected to decline. Recently, mine salt tender prices were lowered by 5 yuan/tonne.
In East China, well and rock salt is mainly sold from ex-warehouse, and monthly prices maintained a stable-to-weak trend. Downstream soda ash and chlor-alkali enterprises purchased only on a need basis.
In Central China, mine salt prices were mostly stable. With increasing out-of-region orders, prices may weaken further. Downstream demand was general, and raw salt demand decreased after chlor-alkali enterprises lowered operating rates.
In Northwest China, raw salt prices were basically stable. During the week, enterprise operating rates in Shaanxi were mixed, while enterprises in Gansu and Ningxia did not operate at full rates. Raw salt demand was maintained at previous levels, and regional well and rock salt and lake salt prices remained stable.
China's raw salt imports in July 2026 were 889,000 tonnes, up 31.47% month on month and down 12.08% year on year, with an average import price of 34.98 USD/tonne. During the week, the geopolitical conflict in the Middle East continued, pushing freight rates slightly higher than in the previous period. Domestic raw salt prices trended downward, weakening the price advantage of imported salt. Apart from long-term contract purchases, downstream soda ash and chlor-alkali enterprises mostly adopted a wait-and-see attitude.
Currently, Indian salt cargoes of less than 60,000 tonnes are offered at 35-38 USD/tonne CIF China. Australian salt under long-term contracts arrives in China at 36-38 USD/tonne CIF China. Mexican salt under long-term contracts arrives at 37-39 USD/tonne CIF China, but the number of enterprises currently purchasing Mexican salt is small. Actual prices for imported salt cargoes of 60,000-170,000 tonnes are negotiable.
Shandong: Over the weekend, alumina producers in Shandong cut their liquid caustic soda purchase prices by 10 yuan/tonne. Most brands in the Shandong region followed with price declines over the weekend. However, falling liquid caustic soda prices combined with weak liquid chlorine put renewed pressure on chlor-alkali profitability in Shandong. Producers showed a strong intention to halt the decline and stabilize 32% liquid caustic soda prices, and the market subsequently remained broadly stable. Later, in the western Shandong (Luxi) region, prices were moderately raised after digesting news of expected unit changes, while other regions remained stable for most of the week. In Hebei, chlor-alkali units were under maintenance, but overall shipments were only average, and some brands saw inventories accumulate and slightly reduced prices.
This week, the domestic soda ash market continued its stable-to-firm trend, with prices edging up within a narrow range. According to Chempricehub data, domestic soda ash output during the week was 718,800 tonnes, down 47,400 tonnes week on week, or 6.18%. The comprehensive soda ash capacity utilization rate was 75.47%, compared with 80.44% in the previous week, down 4.97 percentage points. Maintenance shutdowns were implemented, reducing supply. During the week, soda ash producer inventories stood at 1,911,300 tonnes, up 2,900 tonnes from Monday, or 0.15%, and up 38,600 tonnes from last Thursday, or 2.06%. Some enterprises saw average sales and slower deliveries, and inventories showed an increasing trend.
Sea salt prices are still expected to have limited room to decline in the short term. The major downstream chlor-alkali enterprise in Shandong significantly lowered its sea salt procurement prices. During the earlier spring-harvest sea salt price increase, some sea salt enterprises had stocked up and been reluctant to sell. As autumn salt production approaches, these enterprises have become more active in selling, leading to rapid price declines amid a scramble to sell.
Well and rock salt production is facing higher coal or electricity prices, increasing overall production costs. Although supply is expected to increase, mine salt prices have limited downside because of cost support.
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