China Caustic Soda Flakes Market Update: Liquid Alkali Edges Up While Solid Prices Weaken

China's caustic soda market showed mixed signals in the week ending July 23, 2026. Shandong 32% ion-membrane liquid caustic soda averaged RMB 635/mt, up 0.6% week on week and equal to approximately USD 93/mt based on a working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. Shandong 50% liquid caustic soda was broadly stable around RMB 1,007/mt, about USD 148/mt.

The liquid market was slightly firmer, but the solid caustic side remained under pressure. Northwest 98% solid caustic soda moved down to RMB 2,050/mt, around USD 301/mt, while Shandong 99% material fell to about RMB 2,400/mt, around USD 353/mt. For overseas buyers, the market still requires careful comparison between liquid caustic signals, solid caustic export offers, packing costs and shipment timing.

Key Takeaways for Overseas Buyers

The Shandong 32% liquid price increased slightly, supported by regional supply adjustments and low inventories in some areas. However, non-alumina downstream demand remained limited, and exporters still reported cautious inquiry activity.

For solid caustic procurement, buyers can review CHCA Chem's Caustic Soda Flakes page for specifications, packing, COA and RFQ information. Buyers who prefer pearl-form NaOH can also check the solid caustic soda pearls page for related sourcing details.

For East Africa and West Africa import buyers, flake and pearl caustic soda are often easier to handle than liquid caustic soda for container shipment. Distributors and industrial chemical buyers serving markets through Mombasa, Dar es Salaam, Tema, Lagos, Abidjan or similar ports should compare NaOH content, 25kg bag packing, pallet requirements, container loading, COA documents and shipment schedule before confirming an RFQ.

Supply and Inventory

China's caustic soda operating rate for sample producers of 100,000 mt/year and above reached 78.2%, up 0.4 percentage points from the previous week. Weekly supply increased to about 788,000 mt as some units restarted and operating rates improved in parts of North China.

At the same time, national liquid caustic inventories at fixed sample producers of 200,000 mt/year and above were reported around 532,400 wet mt as of July 23, down 2.77% week on week but still 30.37% higher year on year. This mixed inventory picture explains why local liquid prices could edge higher while broader market confidence remained restrained.

Liquid Caustic Soda Market

In Shandong, the market showed a north-weak, south-strong pattern. Northern supply increased after some load-reduction units recovered, so producers relied more on alumina shipments and flexible offers to relieve pressure. In southern Shandong, lower chlor-alkali operating rates and delayed restarts provided more support to local prices.

East China liquid caustic soda prices were mostly stable. Maintenance in Zhejiang and Jiangxi still limited some supply, but weak non-alumina demand and cautious end-user purchasing prevented stronger price movement.

Solid Caustic Soda Market

The solid caustic market stayed weak. Mainstream Northwest prices fell by RMB 30/mt to around RMB 2,050/mt, while Shandong prices fell by about RMB 50/mt to around RMB 2,400/mt. Some upcoming maintenance in Northwest China may provide limited support, but current spot demand is still not strong.

For importers, this means supplier China offers for solid caustic may remain flexible. A manufacturer or distributor quotation should be checked against grade, flake or pearl form, export packing, container loading plan, destination port and latest freight.

Cost and Related Market Signals

Raw salt prices were largely stable at about RMB 230/mt in Shandong. Liquid chlorine prices rebounded sharply during the week, helping chlor-alkali margins improve, although producers were still operating at a loss in the reported calculation. The sector's weekly theoretical profit improved to around minus RMB 209/mt.

Alumina demand remained an important factor. Spot activity was cautious, and the market continued to watch whether alumina procurement could support liquid caustic shipments into late July and early August.

Market Outlook

Next week, the national caustic soda operating rate is expected to decline toward about 77.3%, with weekly output potentially falling to around 780,000 mt. This may support parts of the liquid market, but traditional downstream demand is still in a seasonal lull and export demand has not shown a clear new driver.

Liquid caustic prices may therefore remain broadly stable, with possible flexible concessions near month-end if factories need to reduce inventory. For solid caustic soda, most producers are expected to keep new-order prices stable unless demand weakens further.

Buyer Considerations

Overseas buyers should reconfirm current offers before placing orders. For an accurate RFQ, include NaOH grade, form, packing, quantity, destination port, required shipment window, COA request and any special documentation needed for customs clearance. Buyers in East Africa and West Africa should also state whether they need palletized packing, moisture protection, preferred shipping line, transshipment limits or delivery timing for inland distribution.

FAQ

Did Shandong liquid caustic soda prices rise this week?

Yes. The Shandong 32% ion-membrane liquid caustic soda weekly average rose to RMB 635/mt, up 0.6% from the previous week.

Why did solid caustic soda prices weaken?

Solid caustic demand remained subdued, and mainstream prices in Northwest China and Shandong moved lower despite some potential support from future maintenance.

What does the inventory data mean for buyers?

Liquid caustic inventory fell week on week but remained much higher than last year. This supports cautious procurement and regular price reconfirmation before shipment.

Is the market better for immediate purchase or waiting?

The outlook is mostly stable with some room for flexible offers. Buyers with urgent shipment needs should compare firm quotes, while buyers with flexible timing can monitor late-month inventory pressure.

What should be included in a caustic soda RFQ?

Include concentration or NaOH content, solid form if applicable, packing, quantity, destination port, shipment window, COA requirement and any preferred documents for import clearance.