20 November 1997: Although US soda ash producers are generally optimistic about their prospects following the abolition of anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports into the European Union (see “Weekly …
20 November 1997: Although US soda ash producers are generally optimistic about their prospects following the abolition of anti-dumping duties on soda ash imports into the European Union (see “Weekly World News” 30 October story), re-entry into the European market may not be easy. Rail transportation problems in the US, the strength of the dollar against most European currencies, limited growth of the soda ash market in Europe, and strong growth of the industry in Asia could make a US soda ash return to Europe somewhat difficult. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS), year-to-date soda ash exports to Europe amount to 180,000 tonnes. It is estimated that without the EU tariffs the volume could double in 1998. Meanwhile, in the United States, producers hope to implement an US$ 8/ton increase for 1998.