Inorganic Chemicals Went Up

Caustic soda

In August 2007, due to the increase of exported amount, the
supply of caustic soda was tense in some local regions. The
demand for caustic soda in the provinces including Shandong,
Shanxi and Henan was brisk. In eastern China, the demand in
downstream sectors rose steadily and the trading price of
caustic soda went up. In northern China, due to the export of
caustic soda resumed in large scale enterprises, the price of
caustic soda rebounded.
   In eastern China the trading price of ionic membrane caustic
soda lifted to RMB550-620/t by the end of August 2007, compared
to RMB480-530/t at the end of July 2007.
   In September 2007, the output of caustic soda will increase
constantly, but due to the growth of demand for caustic soda in
downstream sectors, the price of caustic soda will increase
slightly.  

Liquid chlorine

In August 2007, China's price of liquid chlorine changed
differently by regions. In eastern China, due to the low
operating rate of downstream plants, the demand for liquid
chlorine came down and the price of liquid chlorine was down to
RMB1 400-1 580/t at the end of August 2007. In southern China,
the production of PVC was normal, the demand for liquid chlorine
increased, and the price therefore rose considerably. In
northern China, the prices of liquid chlorine went up in response
to the demand rise.
    In September 2007, the demand for liquid chlorine in
downstream sectors including pesticide will increase, and the
price of liquid chlorine therefore will rise gradually.

Sulfur

In August 2007 due to unduly price rise of sulfur in preceding
months and the increase of imported goods, the price of sulfur
in domestic market presented a decline trend, but still high.
In northern China, due to the demand decrease, the price of
sulfur was down around RMB100/t, and in eastern China, the tense
supply was mitigated considerably, the price of sulfur dropped
to RMB1 900-2 100/t.
    In September 2007, due to the high price of imported sulfur
and the brisk demand for sulfur, China's price of sulfur will
unlikely to drop drastically.