Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Development Co., Ltd. delivers an in-depth analysis of the Liquid Caustic Soda (NaOH) market for January 2026. As a premier exporter in the chlor-alkali sector, we examine the systemic price drop and supply chain dynamics influencing global procurement costs.

Market Overview: Sustained Price Correction

In January 2026, the Chinese Liquid Caustic Soda market struggled with oversupply and tepid demand.

• Price Indices: The average price for 32% Ionic Membrane Liquid Caustic Soda fell to 777 RMB/ton (-4.9% MoM), while the 50% Grade dropped to 1,339 RMB/ton (-4.7% MoM).

• Operational Performance: China’s Chlor-alkali industry maintained a high operational rate of 89.66%, resulting in a cumulative surplus as downstream industries scaled back before the Spring Festival.

Regional Price Benchmarks (As of Jan 27, 2026)

For international buyers tracking costs from various shipping origins, the following benchmarks apply:

• Shandong & North China: As the industry bellwether, Shandong saw ex-factory prices for 32% liquid soda hit 600 RMB/ton for the alumina sector. Tianjin (on a 100% dry basis) quoted 2,050-2,150 RMB/ton.

• Eastern & Southern China: In Jiangsu, quotes hovered between 660-780 RMB/ton. Guangxi and Fujian markets faced pressure from low-cost inflows from the north, with 50% liquid soda quotes dropping to 1,450-1,650 RMB/ton.

• Southwest Hubs: Sichuan maintained higher localized pricing on a 100% dry basis, ranging from 3,100 to 3,500 RMB/ton.

Downstream Demand & Market Sentiment

The primary consumption sectors showed significant fatigue during the pre-holiday period:

1. Alumina Production: Struggling with profitability, several refineries in North China signaled potential output cuts, reducing their caustic soda intake and forcing alkali plants to accept lower contract prices.

2. General Manufacturing: Sectors like textile dyeing and paper manufacturing traditionally enter a "dormant phase" in late January. Stockpiling sentiment remained unusually cautious this year, with buyers anticipating further price drops.

Strategic Outlook for February 2026

Wuxi High Mountain Forecasts: The market is expected to remain soft in the short term. While supply may decrease slightly due to logistics-related production curbs for Liquid Chlorine, the accumulation of inventory during the holiday period will likely drive another round of price adjustments in late February. We anticipate a further decrease of 20-30 RMB/ton in North China and a slight downward shift of 10-20 RMB/ton in South China as factories seek to clear stocks post-holiday.

Expert Partner: Wuxi High Mountain Hi-tech Development Co., Ltd.

With a legacy rooted in the Wuxi Chemical Group since 1992, we specialize in high-purity Liquid Caustic Soda, PVC Paste Resin, and MCAA. Our expertise in chemical logistics and packaging optimization ensures your supply chain remains resilient even during volatile market cycles.

Direct Inquiry & Official Website: https://www.wxhmchem.com/