From June to early July 2026, China‘s sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) market experienced a clear two‑phase trajectory: a solid upward trend in June followed by a modest pullback in July. June prices rose from 620 RMB/ton to 669 RMB/ton, a 7.9% increase, driven by extensive industry maintenance—with planned capacity exceeding 5 million tons—and strong alumina sector demand. However, year‑on‑year prices remained 20% lower. July opened with a 0.91% decline to 652 RMB/ton, as surging liquid chlorine prices restored chlor‑alkali profitability, prompting early production resumptions and weakening the supply contraction. Meanwhile, non‑alumina downstream demand remains persistently sluggish. Looking ahead, the market faces structural overcapacity—2.19 million tons of new capacity are scheduled for 2026, with total annual output expected to exceed 43 million tons—suggesting limited upside and potential renewed downward pressure in the second half. As a trusted chemical supplier, HISEACHEM prov