Africa: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports in Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of caustic soda in the solid form decreased by -0.7% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after two years of growth. In general, exports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 35% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of caustic soda in solid form attained the maximum at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form stood at $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 when exports increased by 42%. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2021, Egypt (X tons) represented the key exporter of caustic soda in the solid form, constituting 42% of total exports. South Africa (X tons) took the second position in the ranking, distantly followed by Uganda (X tons) and Cote d'Ivoire (X tons). All these countries together held approx. 38% share of total exports. The following exporters - Kenya (X tons), Ghana (X tons) and Senegal (X tons) - together made up 9.9% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main exporting countries, was attained by Uganda (with a CAGR of +20.7%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Egypt ($X), South Africa ($X) and Cote d'Ivoire ($X) appeared to be the countries with the highest levels of exports in 2021, with a combined 70% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Uganda, Kenya, Senegal and Ghana, which together accounted for a further 20%.

Uganda, with a CAGR of +18.1%, recorded the highest growth rate of the value of exports, among the main exporting countries over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, growing by 3.1% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 18%. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Cote d'Ivoire ($X per ton), while Ghana ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Cote d'Ivoire (+8.7%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the export price figures.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports in Africa

In 2021, after three years of growth, there was decline in purchases abroad of caustic soda in the solid form, when their volume decreased by -1.9% to X tons. The total import volume increased at an average annual rate of +4.1% from 2012 to 2021; however, the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2013 when imports increased by 22%. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2020, and then shrank slightly in the following year.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form expanded significantly to $X in 2021. Total imports indicated notable growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.7% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports decreased by -14.6% against 2018 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when imports increased by 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form attained the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Nigeria (X tons), distantly followed by Cote d'Ivoire (X tons), Ghana (X tons), Tanzania (X tons), Cameroon (X tons) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (X tons) were the largest importers of caustic soda in the solid form, together achieving 48% of total imports. The following importers - Uganda (X tons), Algeria (X tons), Djibouti (X tons), South Africa (X tons), Mozambique (X tons), Ethiopia (X tons) and Sudan (X tons) - together made up 26% of total imports.

Imports into Nigeria increased at an average annual rate of +5.9% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Djibouti (+27.3%), Democratic Republic of the Congo (+12.0%), Mozambique (+9.8%), Ethiopia (+8.3%), Cameroon (+7.8%), South Africa (+7.8%), Ghana (+6.3%), Cote d'Ivoire (+6.1%), Uganda (+3.6%), Sudan (+3.5%), Tanzania (+3.4%) and Algeria (+1.5%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Djibouti emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +27.3% from 2012-2021. While the share of Djibouti (+3.4 p.p.), Democratic Republic of the Congo (+2.5 p.p.) and Nigeria (+2.3 p.p.) increased significantly, the shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, Nigeria ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported caustic soda in the solid form in Africa, comprising 19% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Cote d'Ivoire ($X), with an 8.1% share of total imports. It was followed by Democratic Republic of the Congo, with a 6.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Nigeria stood at +6.6%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Cote d'Ivoire (+6.5% per year) and Democratic Republic of the Congo (+12.5% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, rising by 10% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a mild setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 30%. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Ethiopia ($X per ton), while South Africa ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Ethiopia (+1.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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