11 March 1999: In the first half of 1998, 16% of the exports of soda ash from the US went to Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea, according to a recent report.
In the first half of 1996, the percent…
11 March 1999: In the first half of 1998, 16% of the exports of soda ash from the US went to Indonesia, Thailand and South Korea, according to a recent report. In the first half of 1996, the percentage going to these countries was 26%. There has been an increase in exports from the US to Mexico, Japan, Taiwan, Brazil and Chile, the report said, with these countries accounting for 38% of the total. In 1996, they accounted for 32%. Prices are expected to fall, and US demand is expected to remain flat in 1999. Imports to Brazil from the US are no longer subject to antidumping duties and are rising. In December 1998, a new production facility is due to be brought onstream in Argentina and output will compete with material currently being supplied by Ansac, or from South America.