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South Africa - Soap - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights
Report Update: May 1, 2025

South Africa - Soap - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends And Insights

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Jul 18, 2023

South Africa sees significant reduction in soap prices to $1,964 per ton

South Africa Soap Export Price in May 2023

In May 2023, the soap price amounted to $1,964 per ton (FOB, South Africa), reducing by -20.9% against the previous month. Over the period under review, the export price showed a slight curtailment. The growth pace was the most rapid in December 2022 an increase of 12% m-o-m. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the peak figure at $2,484 per ton in April 2023, and then plummeted in the following month.

Prices varied noticeably by the country of destination: the country with the highest price was Zimbabwe ($2,271 per ton), while the average price for exports to Swaziland ($1,366 per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Democratic Republic of the Congo (+0.6%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

COUNTRYExport Price of Soap in South Africa (USD per ton)
May 2022Jun 2022Jul 2022Aug 2022Sep 2022Oct 2022Nov 2022Dec 2022Jan 2023Feb 2023Mar 2023Apr 2023May 2023
Zimbabwe2,9581,9692,0482,3802,5732,2743,1024,0653,8133,3964,0033,9212,271
Democratic Republic of the Congo1,9901,9221,7501,7751,5701,5821,8181,6911,8731,5651,9842,1672,128
Zambia2,3912,7212,2102,2001,8481,6881,9111,8032,5372,4612,2612,3072,111
CongoN/AN/A2,1562,3552,7882,7596,5085,671N/AN/A1,7942,1401,999
Namibia2,4652,4262,4792,1602,0952,0292,0102,2092,4512,2202,3692,3261,978
Botswana2,7552,6722,2292,3742,0991,9022,5102,8202,4962,4221,8182,6591,973
Lesotho2,1481,7341,6912,1421,9341,7212,1192,3652,0921,7112,0961,7981,727
Mozambique1,9251,6461,3041,6981,6611,9071,7522,0611,8981,6692,0571,8891,678
Malawi1,8232,2341,8861,8522,1031,9971,7331,9182,0701,7071,8081,5991,628
Swaziland1,4571,3621,4361,4137791,2571,2851,2741,4651,5121,3961,2711,366
Average2,3221,9811,9402,0991,9481,8912,0092,2582,4662,1962,2712,4841,964

South Africa Soap Export Prices by Type

Average prices varied somewhat for the major types of exported product. In May 2023, the products with the highest prices were organic surface-active products for washing the skin ($2,516 per ton) and soap in different forms ($2,205 per ton), while the average price for exports of soap and organic surface-active products in bars other than for toilet use ($1,719 per ton) and soap and organic surface-active products in bars for toilet use ($1,963 per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for the following types: soap in different forms (-0.0%), while the prices for the other products experienced a decline.

South Africa Soap Exports

In May 2023, exports of soap from South Africa soared to 10K tons, with an increase of 57% compared with the previous month's figure. In general, total exports indicated temperate growth from May 2022 to May 2023: its volume increased at an average monthly rate of +3.7% over the last twelve-month period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on May 2023 figures, exports increased by +93.9% against January 2023 indices. As a result, the exports reached the peak and are likely to continue growth in the immediate term.

In value terms, soap exports surged to $20M (IndexBox estimates) in May 2023. The total export value increased at an average monthly rate of +2.3% from May 2022 to May 2023; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in March 2023 when exports increased by 31% against the previous month. The exports peaked in May 2023.

South Africa Soap Exports by Type

Soap and organic surface-active products in bars other than for toilet use (4.2K tons), soap in different forms (2.7K tons) and soap and organic surface-active products in bars for toilet use (2.4K tons) were the main products of soap exports from South Africa, with a combined 93% share of total exports. These products were followed by organic surface-active products for washing the skin, which accounted for a further 6.7%.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the biggest increases were in soap in bars other than for toilet use (with a CAGR of +5.1%), while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the most traded types of soap in South Africa were soap and organic surface-active products in bars other than for toilet use ($7.2M), soap in different forms ($6M) and soap and organic surface-active products in bars for toilet use ($4.7M), together comprising 91% of total exports.

Among the main product categories, soap in different forms, with a CAGR of +4.8%, recorded the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other products experienced more modest paces of growth.

South Africa Soap Exports by Country

Zimbabwe (3.2K tons) was the main destination for soap exports from South Africa, with a 32% share of total exports. Moreover, soap exports to Zimbabwe exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Botswana (1.1K tons), threefold. The third position in this ranking was held by Namibia (933 tons), with a 9.4% share.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of volume to Zimbabwe totaled +7.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average monthly rates of exports growth: Botswana (+3.1% per month) and Namibia (+3.2% per month).

In value terms, Zimbabwe ($7.2M) remains the key foreign market for soap exports from South Africa, comprising 37% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Botswana ($2.2M), with an 11% share of total exports. It was followed by Namibia, with a 9.4% share.

From May 2022 to May 2023, the average monthly rate of growth in terms of value to Zimbabwe stood at +5.2%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average monthly rates of exports growth: Botswana (+0.3% per month) and Namibia (+1.4% per month).

Source: IndexBox Market Intelligence Platform

This report provides an in-depth analysis of the soap market in South Africa. Within it, you will discover the latest data on market trends and opportunities by country, consumption, production and price developments, as well as the global trade (imports and exports). The forecast exhibits the market prospects through 2030.

Product coverage:

  • Prodcom 20413120 - Soap and organic surface-active products in bars, etc., n.e.c.
  • Prodcom 20413150 - Soap in the form of flakes, wafers, granules or powders
  • Prodcom 20413180 - Soap in forms excluding bars, cakes or moulded shapes, p aper, wadding, felt and non-wovens impregnated or coated with soap/detergent, flakes, granules or powders
  • Prodcom 20421915 - Soap and organic surface-active products in bars, etc., for toilet use
  • Prodcom 20421930 - Organic surface-active products and preparations for washing the skin, whether or not containing soap, p.r.s.

Country coverage:

  • South Africa

Data coverage:

  • Market volume and value
  • Per Capita consumption
  • Forecast of the market dynamics in the medium term
  • Trade (exports and imports) in South Africa
  • Export and import prices
  • Market trends, drivers and restraints
  • Key market players and their profiles

Reasons to buy this report:

  • Take advantage of the latest data
  • Find deeper insights into current market developments
  • Discover vital success factors affecting the market

This report is designed for manufacturers, distributors, importers, and wholesalers, as well as for investors, consultants and advisors.

In this report, you can find information that helps you to make informed decisions on the following issues:

  1. How to diversify your business and benefit from new market opportunities
  2. How to load your idle production capacity
  3. How to boost your sales on overseas markets
  4. How to increase your profit margins
  5. How to make your supply chain more sustainable
  6. How to reduce your production and supply chain costs
  7. How to outsource production to other countries
  8. How to prepare your business for global expansion

While doing this research, we combine the accumulated expertise of our analysts and the capabilities of artificial intelligence. The AI-based platform, developed by our data scientists, constitutes the key working tool for business analysts, empowering them to discover deep insights and ideas from the marketing data.

  1. 1. INTRODUCTION

    Making Data-Driven Decisions to Grow Your Business

    1. REPORT DESCRIPTION
    2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND THE AI PLATFORM
    3. DATA-DRIVEN DECISIONS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
    4. GLOSSARY AND SPECIFIC TERMS

  2. 2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

    A Quick Overview of Market Performance

    1. KEY FINDINGS
    2. MARKET TRENDSThis Chapter is Available Only for the Professional EditionPRO

  3. 3. MARKET OVERVIEW

    Understanding the Current State of The Market and its Prospects

    1. MARKET SIZE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. MARKET STRUCTURE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    3. TRADE BALANCE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    4. PER CAPITA CONSUMPTION: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    5. MARKET FORECAST TO 2035

  4. 4. MOST PROMISING PRODUCTS FOR DIVERSIFICATION

    Finding New Products to Diversify Your Business

    1. TOP PRODUCTS TO DIVERSIFY YOUR BUSINESS
    2. BEST-SELLING PRODUCTS
    3. MOST CONSUMED PRODUCTS
    4. MOST TRADED PRODUCTS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE PRODUCTS FOR EXPORTS

  5. 5. MOST PROMISING SUPPLYING COUNTRIES

    Choosing the Best Countries to Establish Your Sustainable Supply Chain

    1. TOP COUNTRIES TO SOURCE YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP PRODUCING COUNTRIES
    3. TOP EXPORTING COUNTRIES
    4. LOW-COST EXPORTING COUNTRIES

  6. 6. MOST PROMISING OVERSEAS MARKETS

    Choosing the Best Countries to Boost Your Export

    1. TOP OVERSEAS MARKETS FOR EXPORTING YOUR PRODUCT
    2. TOP CONSUMING MARKETS
    3. UNSATURATED MARKETS
    4. TOP IMPORTING MARKETS
    5. MOST PROFITABLE MARKETS

  7. 7. PRODUCTION

    The Latest Trends and Insights into The Industry

    1. PRODUCTION VOLUME AND VALUE: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)

  8. 8. IMPORTS

    The Largest Import Supplying Countries

    1. IMPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. IMPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. IMPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  9. 9. EXPORTS

    The Largest Destinations for Exports

    1. EXPORTS: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024) AND FORECAST (2025–2035)
    2. EXPORTS BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)
    3. EXPORT PRICES BY COUNTRY: HISTORICAL DATA (2012–2024)

  10. 10. PROFILES OF MAJOR PRODUCERS

    The Largest Producers on The Market and Their Profiles

  11. LIST OF TABLES

    1. Key Findings In 2024
    2. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    6. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    7. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
    8. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    9. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    10. Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2024

  12. LIST OF FIGURES

    1. Market Volume, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    2. Market Value: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    3. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    4. Market Structure – Domestic Supply vs. Imports, in Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    5. Trade Balance, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    6. Trade Balance, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    7. Per Capita Consumption: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    8. Market Volume Forecast to 2035
    9. Market Value Forecast to 2035
    10. Market Size and Growth, By Product
    11. Average Per Capita Consumption, By Product
    12. Exports and Growth, By Product
    13. Export Prices and Growth, By Product
    14. Production Volume and Growth
    15. Exports and Growth
    16. Export Prices and Growth
    17. Market Size and Growth
    18. Per Capita Consumption
    19. Imports and Growth
    20. Import Prices
    21. Production, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    22. Production, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    23. Imports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    24. Imports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    25. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    26. Imports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    27. Imports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    28. Import Prices, By Country, 2012–2024
    29. Exports, In Physical Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    30. Exports, In Value Terms: Historical Data (2012–2024) and Forecast (2025–2035)
    31. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2024
    32. Exports, In Physical Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    33. Exports, In Value Terms, By Country, 2012–2024
    34. Export Prices, By Country, 2012–2024

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