Glass markets challenge soda ash

摘要

A CHALLENGING MARKET for the soda ash industry is expected over the next few years, following a 9.5 percent 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 percent, 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 percent of capacity in 2009, thought to be the lowest rate the industry has ever seen.