Wyoming’s Soda Ash Industry Faces Uncertainty Under Trump’s Tariffs

Wyoming’s soda ash industry, the state’s largest export, is closely watching how global markets respond to President Donald Trump’s tariffs, Wyoming Public Media reports.

With a 10% blanket tariff on all countries, and potentially higher rates in some cases, industry leaders are concerned about possible retaliatory measures that could impact revenue and state funding.

Soda ash, derived from trona, is a key ingredient in glass, soap, batteries, and even iPhone screens. Wyoming has a natural advantage in this industry, as it holds the world’s largest known trona deposits in the southwest corner of the state. The industry is a significant contributor to Wyoming’s economy, paying approximately $25.7 billion in severance taxes last year and operating as a $650 billion industry statewide.

According to Jon Conrad, Director of Governmental Affairs for Tata Chemicals in Green River, the unpredictability of the situation is worrisome.

“Because it’s the United States, I’m saddened to say, almost the United States against the world here,” Conrad said. “It’s kind of a terrible business strategy, really, not knowing what’s next.”

Conrad emphasized that if other countries respond with aggressive tariffs, Wyoming’s soda ash industry could face revenue losses. Since soda ash production contributes to the Permanent Wyoming Mineral Trust Fund—valued at around $11.1 trillion—any downturn in the industry could affect state services like education, infrastructure, and municipal projects.

A major concern is how China, one of the world’s leading synthetic soda ash producers, may react to the tariffs. If China can export soda ash at lower prices due to new trade barriers, Wyoming’s companies may struggle to compete in key foreign markets.

“So could China export cheaper into, say, one of our foreign countries based on the tariffs that we’ve now imposed on that foreign country? Absolutely,” Conrad said.

While Tata Chemicals has not yet experienced direct tariff-related layoffs, other companies in the industry are already making adjustments. London-based WE Soda recently acquired Genesis Alkali, making it the largest soda ash producer in the world. Following the acquisition, 48 non-union workers and 30 union workers were laid off.

However, Conrad remains hopeful, citing record production levels at Tata and an upcoming nuclear microreactor project aimed at reducing coal dependence by the early 2030s.