Global caustic soda capacity is poised to see considerable growth over the four years to 2028, potentially increasing from 102.23 mtpa (million tonnes per annum) in 2023 to 109.57 mtpa in 2028, a total growth of 7.2%. Globally, 35 planned and announced caustic soda projects are expected to come online by 2028, predominantly in Asia then followed by the Middle East over the next five years.

Asia is expected to add a capacity of 2.43 mtpa from six new build planned and announced projects, expanding to add a capacity of 1.85 mtpa from 10 planned and announced projects.

In Asia, a significant increase in capacity is anticipated from India's planned Mundra Petrochem Mundra caustic soda plant which is likely to come online in 2027 with a capacity of 1.30mtpa in India. The PT Chandra Asri Perkasa Cilegon caustic soda plant in Indonesia is another notable project with a projected capacity of 0.40 mtpa. It is also scheduled to begin production in 2027.

The Middle East follows with an increase in capacity of 1.29 mtpa from four new-build projects. The region is anticipated to augment its capacity by 0.02mtpa.

Within the Middle East, the most significant capacity addition is attributed to the already announced Taziz EDC and PVC Ruwais caustic soda plant in the United Arab Emirates with a capacity of 0.94 mtpa. This facility is expected to commence operations in 2025. It is succeeded by the planned Ghadir Petrochemical Company Bandar Imam plant in Iran, which has a projected capacity of 0.17 mtpa and is also set to begin production in 2025.

Further details of caustic soda 2023 can be found in GlobalData’s new report, ‘Caustic Soda Industry Capacity and Capital Expenditure Forecasts with Details of All Active and Planned Plants to 2028’.