6 May 1999: According to recent press reports, the Asian economic crisis had a large impact on the US soda ash market in 1998, resulting in a fall in exports to the region of 10-11%. Demand in Asia ac…
6 May 1999: According to recent press reports, the Asian economic crisis had a large impact on the US soda ash market in 1998, resulting in a fall in exports to the region of 10-11%. Demand in Asia accounts for 45% of US exports. Production fell by 6% compared to 1997. Exports to Western Europe rose, however, by 365,000 tonnes. European producers have claimed that US soda ash is available at unfairly low prices and anti-dumping activities are threatened. Soda ash demand in the US for pulp and paper applications has been adversely affected by low caustic soda prices. In November 1999, OCI Chemical Corp. shut-down 900,000 ton/year of older soda ash capacity whilst starting-up 800,000 ton/year of new capacity at its site in Green River, Wyoming. The construction of a 400,000 ton/year plant as a joint venture between AG Soda Ash and Solvay Minerals has been postponed. Start-up is now expected in late 2000. In January 1999, Elf Atochem North America agreed to sell Tg Soda to FMC Wyoming Corp. Mincorp LLC is acquiring a major stake in IMC Chemicals from IMC Global Inc.