China Caustic Soda Flakes Market Update: Liquid Alkali Softens While Solid NaOH Moves Higher

During July 31-August 6, 2026, China's caustic soda market showed a split pattern. Liquid alkali prices in Shandong softened slightly, while solid NaOH, especially flake soda, moved higher. For overseas buyers in Africa, the Middle East and other import markets, the key point is that liquid caustic soda cost signals remain important, but export inquiries are more directly affected by solid caustic soda availability, packing and shipment schedules.

Liquid Alkali Price Signals

Shandong 32% ion membrane liquid alkali averaged around RMB 629/mt for the week, down 0.8% from the previous week, equal to about USD 93/mt using the working exchange rate of USD 1 = RMB 6.8. The August 6 daily reference for Shandong 32% liquid alkali was around RMB 630/mt, about USD 93/mt. Shandong 50% liquid alkali was around RMB 1,000/mt, about USD 147/mt, slightly lower than July 30.

Liquid chlorine prices fell sharply from around RMB 450/mt to RMB 200/mt, about USD 29/mt. Even so, chlor-alkali profit improved because weekly liquid chlorine averages were stronger than the previous period and some raw material costs eased. Shandong chlor-alkali gross profit was referenced around RMB 62/mt, about USD 9/mt.

Solid NaOH and Export Buyer Focus

Unlike liquid alkali, solid caustic soda prices rose during the week. Northwest 98% flake soda increased from around RMB 2,130/mt to RMB 2,230/mt, about USD 328/mt, up 4.69%. East China and Central China references moved to around RMB 2,550/mt, about USD 375/mt, while South China reached around RMB 2,850/mt, about USD 419/mt.

This divergence matters for importers. Many overseas customers do not buy liquid alkali directly because transport is more difficult, but liquid alkali supply, chlorine balance and operating rates affect the cost base of solid NaOH. Buyers can review our Caustic Soda Flakes product page for 98%-99% NaOH export inquiries, or check pearl-form NaOH when bead shape, dust control or handling preference is important.

Supply, Inventory and Demand

China's caustic soda sample operating rate rose to about 77.8%, up 0.7 percentage points from the previous week. Weekly production was around 785,000 mt, and next week's output may rise slightly to about 788,000 mt if more units restart. Shandong chlor-alkali operating rates also moved higher to about 83.7%.

Liquid alkali inventory moved lower. By August 6, fixed liquid alkali sample factory inventory was about 480,500 wet tons, down 9.92% week on week but still 4.07% higher year on year. Lower inventory gave some support in several regions, but downstream demand remained mainly just-in-time. Alumina operation improved to around 80.75%, while viscose staple fiber operation fell to around 86.36%.

Regional Market Notes

Shandong liquid alkali first declined and then recovered slightly as low-price cargo attracted short-term buying. East China was mostly stable because maintenance reduced supply modestly, but non-aluminum demand did not improve materially. Northwest supply tightened because of maintenance, which helped liquid alkali rebound and supported flake soda sentiment.

For solid caustic soda, Northwest producer maintenance was the main driver behind firmer prices. Traders became more active and end-user buying interest improved. This is why overseas RFQ timing matters: even when liquid alkali looks weak, solid caustic soda export offers can still rise if flake supply tightens.

Buyer Considerations for RFQ

For a practical China supplier, manufacturer, distributor or exporter quotation, buyers should provide NaOH content, form requirement, packing, order quantity, destination port, shipment window and COA requirements. Common export packing includes 25 kg bags, 50 lb bags, 1,000 kg jumbo bags and palletized container shipment, depending on destination and handling requirements.

Current market figures are references only. Before confirming an order, buyers should reconfirm the latest factory offer, inland freight, ocean freight, loading schedule and document requirements.

Short-Term Outlook

Liquid caustic soda supply may increase slightly next week as operating rates move near 78%, but regional maintenance and inventory changes may continue to create local differences. Solid NaOH is likely to remain more sensitive to Northwest maintenance, trader activity and export shipment demand.

For buyers in East Africa and West Africa, the practical strategy is to compare several shipment windows and packing options rather than only asking for a spot price. If flake soda supply remains tight, early RFQ and document confirmation may help secure more reliable shipment planning.

FAQ

Why did liquid alkali soften while flake soda rose?

Liquid alkali faced softer regional prices and cautious demand, while Northwest flake soda supply was supported by maintenance and stronger trader activity. The two markets are connected but do not always move in the same direction.

Do overseas buyers usually import liquid caustic soda?

Most overseas container buyers prefer solid NaOH because liquid alkali is more difficult and costly to transport. Liquid alkali prices are still useful because they influence the production cost and market sentiment for solid caustic soda.

What NaOH forms should buyers compare?

Buyers usually compare flakes and pearls. The choice depends on handling preference, dissolution behavior, storage conditions, dust control and destination market requirements.

What should be included in a caustic soda RFQ?

An RFQ should include NaOH content, form, packing, quantity, destination port, required shipment date, COA requirements and any special document or palletizing requirements.

Is this a good time to buy solid caustic soda from China?

Prices for solid NaOH moved higher this week, but supply and freight conditions vary by shipment window. Buyers with confirmed demand should request updated offers and compare packing and delivery schedules before deciding.