Glass manufacturing is extremely important for soda production. During the Covid crisis, demand for soda fell - but there are signs that it is beginning to pick up slowly.
This year, global demand for key glass manufacturing materials is expected to fall by about 3.8 million tonnes, or about 6 per cent, with demand in the glass industry falling by 3.1 million tonnes, or 9 per cent. But prices have recently started to rise, suggesting that demand is picking up, reflecting losses for Chinese producers.
Most soda producers have reduced production due to falling demand during the pandemic. The glass industry consumes about 50% of all soda. In addition to China, the container glass industry consumes 24% of the alkali, flat glass 23% and other glass 5%. China is the world's largest manufacturer of flat glass, so when you consider China, these statistics account for 18% of total container glass soda demand, 29% of flat glass and 5% of other glass.
