US caustic soda exports decreased in May from April, according to data from the US International Trade Commission seen by SSESSMENTS.COM. The data showed US caustic soda shipments to overseas markets dropped 23% in May from 554,991 tons in April. The drop came even as countries began to reopening their economies which typically support demand for chlorine and its derivative products.
Market sources said US exports were lower in April as customers preferred shipments from Asia and Europe which had lower export prices. Caustic soda prices surged to as high as $400/ton FOB USG on June 16, compared to $235/dry ton FOB Northeast Asia on June 7, $285/ton CFR Southeast Asia on June 7, and $250/ton FOB Northwest Europe on June 30.
