The output of sodium hydroxide (caustic soda) over the past five years has been growing at an average rate. In 2019, caustic soda output in the whole country amounted to 3383 thousand tons. Caustic soda production for the year decreased by 1.1%.

Recall that in 2018, the growth of sodium hydroxide production amounted to 3%. In 2017 and 2016 caustic soda output increased by 6% and 3%, respectively.
 
In the Privolzhskiy Federal District, the main production facilities for the production of caustic soda carbonate are concentrated,
market share of over 50 percent. The second largest volume of caustic soda production is in the
Siberian FD with a market share of 24%. The third place in the level of caustic soda production in the country is occupied by the Southern Federal District, for the market 17%. The Central Federal District accounts for 8% of caustic soda production in the country.
 
In chemical industrial sector, caustic soda is used to neutralize acids and acid oxides, as a reagent or catalyst in chemical reactions; in chemical analysis, caustic soda is used for titration, as well as for pickling aluminum and in the production of pure metals. In the refining industry, the use of caustic soda is necessary for the production of oils. Caustic soda is also required for
biodiesel fuel production, derived from vegetable oils and used to replace conventional diesel fuel. Caustic is also used in the pulp and paper industry in the process of cooking sulfate pulp. The use of caustic soda is necessary in the manufacture of fiberboards.