Grasping the up-to-date dynamics of the upstream and downstream supply chain is the foundation for steady enterprise operations. Today, Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Development Co., Ltd. summarizes the market trends of the chlor-alkali industry chain (including liquid caustic soda, flake caustic soda, liquid chlorine, industrial salt, hydrochloric acid, calcium carbide, and PVC) for May 20, 2026, based on relevant market sector data, providing practical business references for our global partners.

1. Caustic Soda Sector: Liquid Caustic Soda Bounces Locally While Flake Caustic Soda Runs Steadily

• Liquid Caustic Soda: Today, the domestic liquid caustic soda market exhibited a pattern of minor localized price increases. In Shandong, driven by a price increase of 10 RMB/ton in procurement from certain alumina enterprises, coupled with the successive maintenance shutdowns of several regional alkali plants, local supply contracted slightly, providing support for market prices. Northwest China and the central Lianghu region mostly experienced stable consolidation, with downstream non-aluminum demand maintaining on-demand purchasing, and the overall trading atmosphere remained moderate.

• Flake Caustic Soda: The domestic flake caustic soda market is expected to focus primarily on proactive order signing today. Recently, operation rates of downstream alumina enterprises have fluctuated frequently, with production increases and decreases coexisting in certain regions. Due to the general operating conditions in non-aluminum sectors influenced by high raw material costs, some alkali plants in Northwest China lowered their quotation for new orders by 50 RMB/ton yesterday. The overall market price is expected to maintain steady consolidation today.

2. Supply & Demand Overview: Liquid Chlorine and Industrial Salt Trends

• Liquid Chlorine: The domestic liquid chlorine market trended downward today. Some chlor-alkali enterprises in Dongying, Shandong, have scheduled maintenance shutdowns. Although supply is expected to contract, downstream chlorine-consuming products are running at low operation rates, leading to shipping pressures for manufacturers. Consequently, liquid chlorine prices adjusted downward by 50–150 RMB/ton today. Regions such as Jiangsu, Inner Mongolia, and Henan remained relatively stable in terms of supply and demand, with prices continuing their steady consolidation.

• Industrial Salt: The industrial salt market is likely to remain stable today, with the domestic ex-factory tax-inclusive average price holding at around 240 RMB/ton. Previously suspended maintenance units in the Jiangsu region have resumed production, while equipment at other well-and-rock salt enterprises maintains normal operations. Sea salt enterprises show stable inventory levels and smooth shipments, with downstream users demonstrating reasonable purchasing enthusiasm. The sea salt market is anticipated to run stably today.

3. Consolidated Operations: Hydrochloric Acid and Calcium Carbide Market Status

• Hydrochloric Acid: The hydrochloric acid market is expected to remain stable with slight fluctuations today. In Binzhou, Shandong, certain manufacturers have halted production for maintenance, tightening regional supply and rendering a slightly warmer price tone. Conversely, the market sentiment in Guangdong and Chongqing appears softer, influenced by local operating loads and the market circulation of by-product acids. Today, the price of 31% synthetic hydrochloric acid is mostly concentrated between 150–300 RMB/ton.

• Calcium Carbide: No adjustments have been reported in the domestic calcium carbide market today. The ex-factory tax-inclusive price of calcium carbide in the Wuhai region of Ningxia hovers around 2400 RMB/ton. As major downstream PVC enterprises approach centralized maintenance periods, demand for calcium carbide is expected to scale back. Combined with slow recovery in recent transport sectors and persistent tight capacity, the calcium carbide market is projected to run smoothly today.

4. Downstream Portfolio: Performance of Carbide-Based & Ethylene-Based PVC

As a core downstream segment of the industry chain, both process routes of the PVC market demonstrated obvious cyclical adjustment characteristics today:

• Carbide-Based PVC: The carbide-based PVC market trended downward today. The core futures contract V2609 showed a wide decline during the night session, leading to a rise in watchful sentiment within the spot market, which may result in a weaker spot trend. Currently, the transaction centers in major Eastern and Southern China markets are inching downward, and manufacturing enterprises are flexibly adjusting their quotes downward. With maintenance and resumptions coexisting in production facilities, the overall operation rate stands around 80%. Downstream demand remains pressured, sticking to rigid-demand purchasing. The price fluctuation range for carbide-based PVC in East and South China is expected to hover around 4800–4950 RMB/ton (tax-inclusive self-pickup).

• Ethylene-Based PVC: The ethylene-based PVC market consolidated steadily today, with major transaction centers in Eastern and Southern China showing limited fluctuations. The market lacks upward momentum due to weakening cost-side support. While some production enterprises lowered their quotes, others maintained a strong stance on holding prices. Traders reported flexible transaction feedback. Although the overall upstream operation rate remains below 50%, inventory supply is ample. The delivered price fluctuation range for ethylene-based PVC in East and South China is projected to sit around 5300–5850 RMB/ton (including tax and freight).

HM Conclusion: Navigating Market Cycles for a Robust Supply Chain

Price fluctuations in bulk chemical markets are ultimately a comprehensive reflection of supply-demand structures, seasonal maintenance, and cost-end variations. Facing the complex situation of localized liquid caustic soda recovery alongside adjustments in liquid chlorine and PVC prices, enterprises must closely track market changes to maintain an active position in procurement and sales.

As a professional institution specializing in global chemical trade and supply chain integration, Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Development Co., Ltd. remains deeply rooted in the front lines of the industry. Leveraging sharp market intuition and robust channel management, we continue to provide highly compatible and transparent supply chain integration services across the fields of Soda Ash, Chlor-Alkali, PVC Resin, and niche fine chemicals, working hand-in-hand with global partners to manage market fluctuations and co-create steady value.