Solvay Prepares to Exit ANSAC

摘要

Solvay Chemicals say it will finalize its exit from the American Natural Soda Ash Corp (ANSAC) on December 31. The company announced in January 2009 its intentions to leave the consortium of U.S.-based soda ash producers in order to expand its global business. On January 1, Solvay will integrate the offshore exports from its Green River, WY soda ash plant into its existing business. Two bulk terminals at Portland, OR and Galveston, TX will serve the company’s global soda ash customers from North America. The Portland terminal will service Asia and the west coast of South America, while the Galveston facility will export to customerson the east and west coasts of South America and Africa. Separately, ANSAC says it will increase the price of soda ash by $60/m.t., effective January 1, or as contracts allow. “Soda ash continues in short supply in the world as a result of continued strong demand and the closure of uncompetitive capacity,” ANSAC says. “As we near the end of 2010, global demand growth will exceed previous expectations growing 8 over 2009.”