Industrial salts and alkalis
Soda Ash Light 99.2% — Fast-Dissolving Sodium Carbonate for Glass & Detergents
FOB Black Sea / MENA · CFR/CIF worldwide on request
Indicative price
USD 156–190 / MT
Indicative range, firm quote on request
Key parameters
Full product details
Product overview
Soda ash light — sodium carbonate in its low-density, free-flowing form — is one of the highest-volume inorganic alkalis in global trade. Produced by the Solvay process from salt and limestone at integrated chemical complexes, light-grade Na₂CO₃ carries a finer particle size and lower bulk density than dense soda ash, which translates into faster dissolution in cold process water and more uniform dispersion in detergent slurry mixers. Our export grade at 99.2% Na₂CO₃ with iron capped at 0.004% meets the purity thresholds flat-glass float lines and premium detergent formulators require, where iron contamination tints glass green and catalyses peroxide decomposition in washing powders.
Primary demand channels include container and flat glass furnaces where soda ash acts as a flux lowering silica melting temperature, synthetic detergent plants building LAS and zeolite-based formulations, municipal and industrial water-treatment stations precipitating calcium and magnesium hardness, and chemical manufacturers converting Na₂CO₃ into sodium silicate, sodium bicarbonate and chromate intermediates. Typical buyers are float-glass producers on quarterly contract cover, regional detergent compounders sourcing merchant alkali between own Solvay unit turnarounds, pulp and paper mills adjusting pulping liquor alkalinity, and traders building inventory ahead of monsoon-season glass demand in South Asia.
Supply origins include synthetic soda ash plants at Black Sea and Turkish chemical hubs with established bulk loading terminals and container stuffing lines for big-bag export. Light grade is the preferred sodium carbonate form wherever dissolution kinetics matter more than silo storage efficiency. HS code 2836.20. MOQ from 500 MT on FOB, CFR or CIF terms.
Full specification
| Na₂CO₃ (sodium carbonate) | 99.2% min |
| Chloride (NaCl) | 0.7% max |
| Iron (Fe₂O₃) | 0.004% max |
| Water insoluble matter | 0.04% max |
| Sulphate (SO₄) | 0.03% max |
| Bulk density (light grade) | 500–600 kg/m³ |
| Appearance | White, free-flowing crystalline powder |
| Grade | Light (low-density) soda ash |
| HS code | 2836.20 |
Loading ports & logistics
Soda ash is a dry, hygroscopic bulk solid that must remain protected from rain and seawater spray at every handling stage. We coordinate three principal delivery modes depending on parcel size and receiver infrastructure.
Geared bulk carriers load parcels of 3,000–30,000 MT at dedicated soda ash berths on FOB Black Sea and MENA origins. Pneumatic or grab discharge at the destination requires covered silos or warehouse space — open stockpiles are not acceptable because moisture uptake causes caking and quality loss within days.
1-tonne PP big bags in 20-foot containers hold approximately 20–24 MT net per unit and suit mid-size buyers without deep-water bulk terminals. Bags are palletized, stretch-wrapped and desiccant-lined for the sea leg. Ideal for parcels of 500–2,500 MT assembled across multiple container bookings on FOB or CFR terms.
Break-bulk coaster vessels move 500–3,000 MT big-bag parcels on short-sea routes to Mediterranean, Red Sea and Indian Ocean discharge ports with geared crane facilities. FOB loading at exporter-nominated berth; CFR and CIF quotes include vessel freight, marine insurance and discharge-port weather-protection assessment before firm offer. Typical lead time 12–22 days from contract execution to loading window.
Packaging & documentation
Cargo ships as bulk soda ash light in vessel holds, 1-tonne laminated PP big bags with polyethylene inner liner, or 50 kg woven bags palletized for container export. Each lot is accompanied by a mill certificate of analysis showing Na₂CO₃, chloride, iron and water-insoluble results, safety data sheet (SDS) per GHS, commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and certificate of origin. Sodium carbonate content is confirmed by acidimetric titration against hydrochloric acid standard on the COA.
Third-party inspection (SGS, Bureau Veritas or equivalent) at loading can be arranged on buyer request. Big-bag integrity and moisture content checks are included in the standard inspection scope for containerized shipments. We issue stowage and ventilation instructions with the shipping package — soda ash is non-hazardous but classified as a hygroscopic cargo requiring dry-hold certification on bulk vessels.
FAQ
When should buyers choose light soda ash over dense grade?
Light soda ash dissolves faster in cold process water and disperses more evenly in detergent slurry mixers — preferred for synthetic detergent plants and batch chemical reactors. Dense soda ash packs tighter for bulk silo storage and suits continuous glass furnace feed where dissolution time is less critical. Light grade commands a modest premium per tonne for the lower bulk density and finer particle distribution.
How is bulk soda ash light shipped on export routes?
Parcels above 3,000 MT load in geared bulk carriers to dedicated soda ash berths at Black Sea and MENA origins. Mid-size lots of 500–2,500 MT move in 1-tonne PP big bags palletized in 20-foot containers (20–24 MT net per unit) or as break-bulk big-bag parcels on coaster vessels. All cargo must stay dry — soda ash is hygroscopic and cakes when exposed to rain or high humidity during discharge.
What drives the indicative soda ash light price per tonne?
FOB quotations track synthetic soda ash plant operating rates at Black Sea and Turkish origins, natural trona competition from US exports, container freight to South Asia and East Africa, and seasonal glass-furnace demand cycles. The USD 156–190/MT band reflects current light-grade purity and origin differentials; firm pricing is confirmed at contract signing.
Related products
- Potassium Carbonate — chloride-free carbonate alkali for specialty glass and food-grade applications
- Potassium Hydroxide — caustic potash for detergent and fertilizer salt production
- Sulfuric Acid — companion industrial acid for chemical synthesis and water treatment