Africa: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2025

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports in Africa

In 2021, overseas shipments of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) decreased by -23% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after eight years of growth. Total exports indicated a strong expansion from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +5.0% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -37.1% against 2019 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports of reached the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) fell significantly to $X in 2021. Total exports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +1.4% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, exports decreased by -35.0% against 2017 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when exports increased by 41% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2018 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Egypt dominates lye) structure, finishing at X tons, which was near 97% of total exports in 2021. South Africa (X tons) took a minor share of total exports.

Egypt was also the fastest-growing in terms of the caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exports, with a CAGR of +5.3% from 2012 to 2021. South Africa (-4.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. From 2012 to 2021, the share of Egypt increased by +2.1 percentage points.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) remains the largest caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) supplier in Africa, comprising 94% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by South Africa ($X), with a 4.4% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value in Egypt stood at +1.8%.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Africa stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 4.8% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, showed a pronounced reduction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 an increase of 19%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was South Africa ($X per ton), while Egypt amounted to $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by South Africa (-0.8%).

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports in Africa

Imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) soared to X tons in 2021, rising by 22% compared with 2020 figures. Total imports indicated noticeable growth from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +2.0% 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 -10.6% against 2019 indices. Over the period under review, imports of hit record highs at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) soared to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 when imports increased by 42%. The level of import peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

South Africa was the main importer of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Africa, with the volume of imports resulting at X tons, which was near 63% of total imports in 2021. Guinea (X tons) held a 12% share (based on physical terms) of total imports, which put it in second place, followed by Kenya (7.1%). Morocco (X tons), Cameroon (X tons), Tunisia (X tons) and Nigeria (X tons) took a relatively small share of total imports.

Imports into South Africa increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% from 2012 to 2021. At the same time, Guinea (+12.8%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Guinea emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Africa, with a CAGR of +12.8% from 2012-2021. Kenya experienced a relatively flat trend pattern. By contrast, Nigeria (-1.7%), Tunisia (-2.7%), Cameroon (-3.4%) and Morocco (-8.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. Guinea (+7 p.p.) and South Africa (+5.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total imports, while Cameroon and Morocco saw its share reduced by -2.3% and -5.9% from 2012 to 2021, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) in Africa, comprising 53% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Guinea ($X), with a 10% share of total imports. It was followed by Kenya, with a 7.7% share.

In South Africa, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) remained relatively stable over the period from 2012-2021. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Guinea (+11.4% per year) and Kenya (+0.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per ton, growing by 13% against the previous year. In general, the import price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the import price increased by 35%. The level of import peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices failed to regain momentum.

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 Tunisia ($X per ton), while Morocco ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Nigeria (+2.7%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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