Soda ash production in China has grown rapidly over the six years since 1999, according to sources at the China Soda Ash Industry Association.
The association said output, export and consumption of s…
Soda ash production in China has grown rapidly over the six years since 1999, according to sources at the China Soda Ash Industry Association. The association said output, export and consumption of soda ash sector all grew in 2004. China produced 12.5 million tons of soda ash in the year, up 13.5% on 2003, exported 1.43 million tons of soda ash, up 14.4% year-on-year, and imported 200,00 tons, down 50% on 2003. China consumed about 11.27 million tons of soda ash in 2004, 1.21 million tons more than in 2003. The growth in consumption was mainly attributed to the rise in production of the glass, aluminum oxide and detergent sectors. Due to price rises of raw materials including crude salt and anthracite, the price of soda ash increased on a monthly basis in 2004. At the end of the year, the highest price of light soda ash was up to CNY 1,800 (USD 217) a ton and that of heavy soda ash, CNY 1,900 a ton.