Experts said that since the middle of January this year, the Asian caustic soda spot price mostly presents the upward trend.While Chinese producers have chosen to focus on the more lucrative domestic market since October, they are still expected to return to the spot market once profits are substantial.

Liquid caustic soda prices in Asia are expected to continue to rise in the near future.Some caustic soda units in Asia have been overhauled since mid-february, reducing their spot supply.For example, the 325,000 tons/year caustic soda unit of Asahi glass located in chiba will be inspected from mid-february to march, and the caustic soda unit of Lotte fine chemical, Hanwha and Tosoh will be stopped for inspection this year.In addition, Australia chose to sign new supply contracts with Asian caustic soda producers this year, which is expected to further tighten the supply and demand situation in Asia in 2019.

In addition, Asian caustic soda exports to India are likely to resume this month, which could further strengthen the Asian caustic soda market.Asian shipments of caustic soda to India have been reduced since October 2018 by India's strict enforcement of rules on import certification by the Indian bureau of standards (BIS).