Price Index Summary - In May 2025, the Xinhua Zhongyan industrial salt price index reported 947.78 points, a decrease of 15.96 points (1.66%) from April 2025, and a decline of 52.22 points (5.22%) from the base period of January 2018 [1] - The index is down 788.88 points (4.43%) from the highest point of 1736.66 points in April 2022, but up 131.58 points (16.12%) from the lowest point of 816.2 points in August 2020 [1] Regional Price Trends - In May 2025, industrial salt prices increased in Anhui, Jiangsu, Chongqing, and Yunnan compared to April 2025, while prices remained stable in Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, and Liaoning [1] - Prices decreased in Shaanxi, Jiangxi, Henan, Xinjiang, Hebei, Shandong, Tianjin compared to April 2025 [1] - Three regions reported industrial salt prices above 300 RMB/ton: Henan, Yunnan, and Liaoning, while 14 regions reported prices below 300 RMB/ton [1] Supply and Demand Dynamics - In May, the raw salt market in China experienced increased supply with stable demand, particularly due to intensified salt production efforts post-May Day holiday [2] - The sea salt market saw a significant rise in supply, especially in Hebei, Shandong, and Jiangsu, but downstream demand from alkali enterprises remained limited, leading to increased inventory pressure [2] - Some salt companies began to implement slight price reductions to alleviate inventory pressure and promote sales [2] Market Segmentation - The mineral salt market showed significant regional price differentiation, with supply tightening in North and Central China due to maintenance shutdowns, leading to price increases [3] - In contrast, the Southwest region saw stable supply due to increased production capacity, while the Northwest maintained high production levels, resulting in stable pricing [3] - The lake salt market remained balanced with stable supply and demand, although increased temperatures in the Northwest led to higher lake salt production [3] Soda Ash Market Conditions - As of the end of May, the soda ash market continued to face pressure due to overcapacity, with weak demand from the real estate and photovoltaic industries [4] - The overall effective production capacity in the soda ash industry remained stable, with limited major maintenance affecting supply [4] - Inventory levels for soda ash producers increased, while social inventory slightly decreased, indicating ongoing overcapacity in the market [4] Liquid Alkali Market Overview - The liquid alkali market in May exhibited a relatively loose supply-demand balance, with local adjustments in supply and demand [5][6] - Supply remained sufficient due to the recovery of previously shut down production facilities, although regional demand showed variability [6] - The textile and dyeing industries provided some demand support, while the aluminum oxide sector's demand fluctuated due to maintenance and production adjustments [6]