Africa: Carboxylic Acid Market 2025

Carboxylic Acid Market Size in Africa

In 2021, the African carboxylic acid market decreased by -8.5% to $X for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year rising trend. The market value increased at an average annual rate of +4.3% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded in certain years. Over the period under review, the market attained the maximum level at $X in 2020, and then shrank in the following year.

Carboxylic Acid Production in Africa

In value terms, carboxylic acid production fell to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total production indicated a prominent expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +5.3% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, production increased by +52.7% against 2015 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 28%. The level of production peaked at $X in 2020, and then reduced in the following year.

Carboxylic Acid Exports

Exports in Africa

In 2021, carboxylic acid exports in Africa reached X tons, therefore, remained relatively stable against 2020. The total export volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% over the period from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern remained relatively stable, with only minor fluctuations being observed throughout the analyzed period. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 19%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, carboxylic acid exports reached $X in 2021. Overall, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 24% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa prevails in exports structure, accounting for X tons, which was near 96% of total exports in 2021. Swaziland (X tons) took a little share of total exports.

South Africa was also the fastest-growing in terms of the carboxylic acid with alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone functions exports, with a CAGR of +2.6% from 2012 to 2021. Swaziland (-8.2%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. South Africa (+5.1 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while Swaziland saw its share reduced by -3.4% from 2012 to 2021, respectively.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest carboxylic acid supplier in Africa, comprising 86% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Swaziland ($X), with a 6.3% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in South Africa stood at +1.2%.

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 7.5% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a slight decline. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 an increase of 9.8%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, the country with the highest price was Swaziland ($X per ton), while South Africa stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Swaziland (+1.3%).

Carboxylic Acid Imports

Imports in Africa

In 2021, the amount of carboxylic acid with alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone functions imported in Africa fell dramatically to X tons, waning by -25.2% on the previous year. Total imports indicated perceptible growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.1% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 19% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons, and then fell sharply in the following year.

In value terms, carboxylic acid imports declined to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports recorded a pronounced shrinkage. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 15%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, South Africa (X tons) was the main importer of carboxylic acid with alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone functions, achieving 38% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Morocco (X tons), Egypt (X tons), Nigeria (X tons), Algeria (X tons) and Tanzania (X tons), together creating a 38% share of total imports. Swaziland (X tons), Kenya (X tons), Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), Cameroon (X tons) and Tunisia (X tons) took a minor share of total imports.

South Africa experienced a relatively flat trend pattern with regard to volume of imports of carboxylic acid with alcohol, phenol, aldehyde or ketone functions. At the same time, Swaziland (+27.4%), Cameroon (+21.1%), Cote d'Ivoire (+12.3%), Kenya (+9.7%), Tanzania (+9.0%), Morocco (+3.7%) and Algeria (+2.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Swaziland emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +27.4% from 2012-2021. Tunisia and Nigeria experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Egypt (-1.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Swaziland (+3.8 p.p.), Tanzania (+2 p.p.) and Cameroon (+1.5 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2021, the share of Nigeria (-1.9 p.p.), Egypt (-3.1 p.p.) and South Africa (-9.1 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X), Egypt ($X) and Algeria ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of imports in 2021, with a combined 60% share of total imports. These countries were followed by Morocco, Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Tunisia, Swaziland, Tanzania, Kenya and Cameroon, which together accounted for a further 30%.

Swaziland, with a CAGR of +21.4%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of imports, among the main importing countries over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, picking up by 14% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced descent. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably country of destination: the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per ton), while Tanzania ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Algeria (+7.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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