On a global basis the glass industry accounts for about 55% of total soda ash demand. Flat glass is the largest single application, accounting for around 27% of demand. Glass containers make up the second largest end use, accounting for about 22% of world demand. However, the drivers for soda ash demand are not identical in every country or region. In many regions, including Western EU and the USA, glass packaging dominates as the largest single application. In China, however, flat glass dominates, accounting for 40% of total demand. Container glass in China represents a smaller share of the total than in many other regions, accounting for about 17% of the total, versus 40% in Western Europe, 24% in the USA and 26% in Russia, for example. In this article, Marguerite Morrin from Global Soda Ash Services (IHS), discusses the latest trends in global soda ash supply and use.
