WHAT IS IT?
Soda ash (sodium carbonate, Na₂CO₃) is a white, odourless powder and one of the top 10 highest-volume chemicals produced globally. It is produced either synthetically via the Solvay process or mined naturally from trona deposits.
TYPES
Dense Soda Ash: Bulk density 900–1000 kg/m³. Used in glass manufacturing and chemicals. Most widely traded grade.
Light Soda Ash: Bulk density 400–500 kg/m³. Used in detergents and soaps. Lower density but same chemical composition.
PRODUCTION METHODS
Solvay Process (synthetic): Salt (NaCl) + limestone (CaCO₃) + ammonia → soda ash. Main production method globally.
Natural Trona Mining: Mined as sesquicarbonate ore then processed. USA (Wyoming) dominant — lowest cost producer.
KEY USES
Flat glass and container glass manufacturing (largest use — 50%)
Detergents and soaps
Sodium silicate and other chemicals
Paper and pulp
Water treatment (pH adjustment)
Lithium carbonate production (growing — EV batteries)
Textile processing
TRADE CORRIDORS
Major exporters: China (dominant), USA (natural trona), Turkey, Bulgaria
Major buyers: Southeast Asia, India, Middle East, Africa
Tetra relevance: China → SEA/East Africa corridor. Glass manufacturing growth in Vietnam, Indonesia driving demand.
PRICING BASIS
No single global benchmark. Regional spot markets. CFR Southeast Asia, FOB China main reference points. Priced per MT.
SPECIFICATIONS (Dense Soda Ash)
Na₂CO₃ content: min 99.2%
NaCl: max 0.6%
Bulk density: 900–1,050 kg/m³
Loss on heating: max 0.5%
Fe content: max 0.003%
Granule size: 250–500 μm
PACKAGING
Bulk (most common for glass industry), or jumbo bags (1MT), or 25kg bags. Hygroscopic — must be kept dry.