A challenging market for the soda ash industry is expected over the next few years, following a 9.5% drop in world soda ash demand in 2009 - representing a volume decrease of 4.6m. tonnes compared to 2008.
From 2004 to 2008 soda ash enjoyed an average annual growth rate of almost 5%, but come 2009 the market was severely impacted by weak demand from its principle consuming market glassmaking.
Further, world soda ash production operating rates averaged just 74% of capacity in 2009, thought to be the lowest rate the industry has ever seen.
A new report, 2010 World Soda Ash Analysis, by Chemical Market Associates Inc. (CMAI), estimates that world demand in 2009 is expected to be close to the 2005 volume, and it is likely to take a few years for demand to...