经济观察报·2025-12-16 12:29Core Viewpoint - The current core issue in the soda ash market has shifted from simple price fluctuations to a cost competition among different production processes [1][14]. Market Dynamics - As of December 16, 2025, the main contract for soda ash (SA401) closed at 1463 yuan/ton, down 2.66%, indicating ongoing volatility around the cost line [2]. - The price range of 1160 to 1190 yuan/ton has been observed, with total domestic soda ash inventory at 1.4943 million tons, remaining historically high despite a slight decrease in social inventory [5]. - The supply side has seen reduced operating rates due to losses and maintenance, while demand from the float glass industry has weakened due to ongoing losses [5][6]. Cost Structure - The production of soda ash is primarily divided into three processes: ammonia-soda process, soda-lime process, and natural soda process, with significant cost differences [14]. - The natural soda process can maintain costs below 1000 yuan/ton, while the soda-lime process has a cost center around 1050 to 1200 yuan/ton, and the ammonia-soda process exceeds 1300 yuan/ton [14]. - Companies using the ammonia-soda process are facing severe losses, leading to difficult decisions regarding production and maintenance [15]. Market Behavior - Low-cost producers are adopting strategies to increase market share, while high-cost producers are caught in a "prisoner's dilemma," where reducing production could lead to loss of market share [16]. - The industry consensus is forming around the need for high-cost capacity to exit the market to restore supply-demand balance [17]. Trading Strategies - The trading logic is evolving due to the lack of clear trends, with participants focusing on basis, price spreads, and process profits [19]. - Companies are shifting to dynamic and proportional hedging strategies, adjusting their positions based on price movements relative to production costs [20]. - The options market is becoming more active, providing new tools for companies and investors to manage uncertainty [21].