Soda ash (also known as sodium carbonate) is a white, powdered, or granular substance. It is a mineral compound that has different hydrated structures. Soda ash is an alkali chemical with a pH of around 11. It is used for manufacturing various products such as glass, detergent, inorganic and organic chemicals, water treatment, paper manufacturing, etc. The major application of soda ash is in glass and detergent manufacturing.
The global Soda ash market is segmented by application (glass, soaps and detergents, chemicals, and water treatment), by grade (light grade and dense grade), and by geography (North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa). The soda ash market growth is contributed by the increasing use of soda ash in the glass industry. Soda ash reduces the melting temperature of the sand. Due to this, soda ash has a high demand in the glass industry. Plus, increasing demand for soda ash in the chemical industry and pharmaceutical industry has led to an increase in soda ash consumption.
Soda ash specifications
Soda ash is the commercial name of sodium carbonate, with the chemical formula Na2CO3. It is a hygroscopic substance, meaning it can absorb moisture from the air. Soda ash is divided into two categories in terms of specifications: Soda ash dense and Soda ash light. The main difference between dense and light soda ash is in the density and type of use.
Soda ash specifications | |
CAS No. | 497-19-8 |
HS Code | 28362020 |
Packaging | Bag |
Soda ash market
The global soda ash market was valued at USD 19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030. The demand for soda ash is driven by different applications, including glass manufacturing and cleaning. Plus, this product is used in chemical and textile manufacturing.
The growing demand for glass products, especially in the construction and automotive sectors, along with the expansion of the chemicals industry, are significant drivers of Soda ash.
Soda ash market, by application
The glass industry segment is expected to dominate the market growth in the next ten years. Glass manufacturing is the largest application for soda ash. Plus, Soda ash is an essential ingredient in manufacturing washing powders and soaps due to its high alkalinity and surfactant qualities.
On the basis of application, the Soda ash industry has been segmented into:
- Glass
- Chemicals
- Soaps and Detergents
- Metallurgy
- Pulp and Paper
Soda ash market, by grade
Based on grade, the market is segmented into light grade and dense grade. Light grade is expected to dominate the global market over the forecast period and this is attributed to the growing demand for soap and detergent, iron and steel, pulp and paper, water softening and dyeing, and production of chemicals. The light soda ash segment generated the largest revenue share of approximately 58% in 2022.
Based on grade, the soda ash industry has been segmented into:
- Dense soda ash
- Light soda ash
Soda ash market, by region
China is a leading manufacturer of soda ash. Asia Pacific market will account for over 50% of the market share of which China accounts for over 60% of the total demand. North America is expected to dominate the soda ash market after APAC during the forecast period. Developed regions like the U.S. and Canada are considered major contributors to the soda ash market growth in the North American region. In 2022, North America dominated the market with the highest revenue share of 40%.
The rising construction activities in emerging economies such as China, Japan, and India drive the need for glass resulting in high demand for soda ash in glass manufacturing industries. Plus, changing lifestyles, higher demand, and rapid industrialization are expected to drive growth in the soda ash and derivatives market in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Based on geography, the soda ash industry has been segmented into:
- China
- Asia Pacific (Excluding China)
- Europe
- North America
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Soda ash market drivers
Several factors can affect the growth of the soda ash market. Some of these factors include:
Rising demand in glass manufacturing
The growth of the soda ash market is primarily driven by the increased demand for soda ash from the glass manufacturing industry. Over 50% of the global soda ash production is utilized as a fluxing agent in glass production. The glass industry is experiencing substantial growth on a global scale, primarily due to the growing demands from the automotive and construction sectors.
Increasing demand for detergents and soaps
Due to changing lifestyles, individuals are more aware of health and wellness, and are more inclined towards home cleaning. Soda ash is an essential ingredient in manufacturing washing powders and soaps due to its high alkalinity and surfactant qualities. So it is used in detergents and soaps.
Increasing use in metallurgy
Soda ash is used in metal industries to remove phosphate and sulfuric from ferrous ores such as steel and iron. It is also used in the recycling process of aluminium and zinc. Increasing use in metallurgy is one of the market drivers of Soda ash.
Soda ash market opportunities
Increasing applications of soda ash in water treatment processes, as well as emerging markets with industrial activities, present growth opportunities for market manufacturers.
Plus, the growing utilization of soda ash for manufacturing dyes, coloring agents, and fertilizers is offering a positive market outlook. In addition to this, there is a rise in the demand for inexpensive and effective cleaning solutions that assist in decreasing stains from clothes. This, coupled with the increasing adoption of soda ash to increase the alkalinity in swimming pools and ensure the proper potential of hydrogen (pH) balance of the water, is propelling the growth of the market
FAQ
What is the major driver of Soda ash in the global market?
Soda ash is an important ingredient in the glass manufacturing industry, as it is cost-effective and helps in the manufacturing of high-quality glass.
What is the Soda ash Market size?
The global soda ash market was valued at USD 19 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2022 to 2030.
What is Soda ash used for?
Soda ash is used for manufacturing various products such as glass, detergent, inorganic and organic chemicals, water treatment, paper manufacturing, etc. The major application of soda ash is in glass and detergent manufacturing.