Between 2009 and 2012, the world production of sodium sulfate grew at a robust healthy rate. As of 2012, the overall sodium sulfate production grew by more than 360,000 tonnes and surpassed the 14.5 million tonnes mark. In the same year, Asia was the dominant regional sodium sulfate manufacturer with a production volume standing at over 9.3 million tonnes. China called for above 60% of the world’s total sodium sulfate supply. Other important sodium sulfate manufacturing countries include Russia, the US, Spain and some European countries; however, their shares in the global production are extremely small in comparison with China’s share.
World Sodium Sulfate Production Broken Down by Country, 2012
In 2012, Asia-Pacific was the leading consumer of sodium sulfate in the world with the consumption volume in the region standing at more than 10 million tonnes. In the same year, approximately 42% of the world annual sodium sulfate production volume was used in the powdered detergents sector, making it the top end user of sodium sulfate.
The world sodium sulfate capacity exceeded 16.5 million tonnes in 2012. Asia accounted for the largest share (almost 65%) of the total capacity. It was followed by Europe.
World Sodium Sulfate Capacity Broken Down by Region, 2012
The sodium sulfate manufacturers with the highest production capacities include, among others, Jiangsu Yinzhu Chemical Group Co., China Lumena New Materials Corp., Nafine Group International Co., Hongya Qing Yi Jiang Chemical Industry Co., Hunan Xinli Chemical Co., Minera de Santa Marta SA, Sulquisa SA, and Grupo Industrial Crimidesa S.L.
Furthermore, the worldwide sodium sulfate production is poised for sustained growth in the future, and in 2016, it is anticipated to go beyond 16 million tonnes.
More information on the sodium sulfate market can be found in the research study “Sodium Sulfate: 2014 World Market Outlook and Forecast up to 2018”.