Caustic Soda price index

by | Prices Indexes

Caustic soda price November 2024 and outlook (see chart below)

  • North America:US$0.35/KG, unchanged
  • Europe:US$0.26/KG, -18.8% down
  • Northeast Asia:US$0.15/KG, 15.4% up
The chart below summarizes Caustic Soda price trend per region, as well as the outlook. It takes a moment to load.
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Sodium hydroxide/Caustic Soda price index

This post is a summary of the sodium hydroxide (Caustic Soda/Lye) price developments.The price developments are expressed in US$/kg prices converted at current FX rates, which are the FX rates applicable at the time the price was valid. Caustic Soda price index developments are calculated from multiple separate sources of data to ensure statistical accuracy.

The outlook for sodium hydroxide (Caustic soda)  prices, on the second tab, is generated from different inputs including:

  • Very recent price developments of immediate cost drivers of sodium hydroxide/caustic soda prices
  • Recent price developments of underlying feedstocks which drive the price of sodium hydroxide
  • Market futures for both cost drives and feedstocks of sodium hydroxide prices
  • Adjustment of current supply/demand imbalances in the sodium hydroxide market
  • Longer term trends in likely demand conditions

Further information on Caustic Soda

Here is some further information

 

What is caustic soda

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a highly alkaline chemical compound with the chemical formula NaOH. It is a white, crystalline solid that is highly soluble in water and is commonly used in a variety of industrial and commercial applications.

 

How is caustic soda produced

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is typically produced through the electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution, which is also known as brine. This process is known as the chloralkali process.

The chloralkali process involves the electrolysis of brine in a cell that is divided into two chambers by a porous diaphragm. The brine is fed into one chamber, and electricity is passed through the cell, causing the sodium ions in the brine to be attracted to the cathode, while the chloride ions are attracted to the anode. At the cathode, the sodium ions are reduced to form sodium metal, while at the anode, the chloride ions are oxidized to form chlorine gas.

The sodium metal and chlorine gas produced in this process are then reacted with water to produce caustic soda and hydrochloric acid. The caustic soda is typically produced in the form of a 50% solution, which is known as “caustic soda lye.”

It is worth noting that the chloralkali process is energy-intensive and can produce hazardous byproducts, such as chlorine gas and sodium metal, which must be handled with caution. As a result, alternative methods for the production of caustic soda, such as the solvay process, have been developed.

 

What is caustic soda used for

Caustic soda, also known as sodium hydroxide, is a strong alkaline compound that is used in a wide range of applications, including:

Manufacturing

Caustic soda is used as a raw material in the production of a variety of chemicals, including detergents, soaps, and textiles. It is also used in the production of paper, pulp, and aluminum.

Oil and gas

Caustic soda is used in the oil and gas industry to treat and refine petroleum products, such as gasoline and diesel. It is also used to improve the recovery of crude oil from reservoirs.

Water treatment

Caustic soda is used to adjust the pH of water and remove impurities, such as heavy metals and organic matter. It is commonly used in municipal water treatment plants to purify drinking water.

Food processing

Caustic soda is used in the food industry to soften and peel fruits and vegetables, and to neutralize acids in some foods, such as olives.

Other

Caustic soda is also used in the production of personal care products, such as shampoos and toothpaste, and in the medical industry to sterilize equipment. It is also used as a drain cleaner.

It is important to handle caustic soda with care, as it is a strong irritant and can cause burns if it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes. It should be used in a well-ventilated area and protective gear, such as gloves and goggles, should be worn when handling it.

 

Further reading

 

Trade information

According to https://oec.world/ : In 2020, the top exporters of Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) in aqueous solution were United States ($940M), Germany ($469M), Netherlands ($237M), Japan ($236M), and Belgium ($215M).

In 2020, the top importers of Sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) in aqueous solution were Australia ($487M), Brazil ($452M), Finland ($197M), Canada ($192M), and Netherlands ($178M).

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