A global soda ash outlook

摘要

According to IHS Chemical, prior to the recent recession global soda ash demand had been increasing at a strong rate, averaging 4% to 5% a year. At the same time, global operating rates had elevated and peaked at almost 90%, which is close to the industry maximum. Meanwhile, a combination of weak demand coupled with a net increase in capacity in 2009 caused global soda ash operating rates to drop below 80%, likely the lowest rate the industry has ever seen.