Core Viewpoint - The soda ash industry is experiencing a downward trend in prices due to oversupply and weak demand, with the main contract dropping to around 1150 RMB/ton without signs of stabilization [1] Supply and Production - Major soda ash producers, including Biyuan Yingen, Henan Jingshan, and Shandong Haohua, have initiated maintenance in May and June, but supply pressure remains high [1][2] - The industry is facing record-high inventory levels exceeding 2 million tons, prompting companies to reduce supply through early maintenance [1][2] - In May, the operating rate of soda ash manufacturers was 84%, with a production of approximately 3.14 million tons, a month-on-month decrease of 2.2% [2] Demand Dynamics - Demand for soda ash has significantly contracted, with daily melting volumes for float glass decreasing by nearly 20,000 tons compared to last year's peak, and a 13% year-on-year reduction in daily melting volume for photovoltaic glass [1][4][5] - The real estate sector is in a bottoming cycle, with various investment and construction metrics showing declines, which negatively impacts the demand for float glass [4] - The photovoltaic sector is also underperforming, with a significant drop in installed projects and increasing inventory levels for photovoltaic glass, leading to a reduction in production capacity [5] Cost and Profitability - Despite the decline in soda ash prices, the costs of key raw materials like coal and salt are also decreasing, providing some profit margins for producers [3] - The cost support for ammonia-soda process has shifted from 1300-1400 RMB/ton at the beginning of the year to 1100-1150 RMB/ton currently [3] - The profitability of the soda ash industry may face further compression due to the ongoing oversupply situation, despite some producers still maintaining profits [5]