Argentina: Caustic Soda Market 2025

Caustic Soda Market Size in Argentina

In 2021, the Argentinian caustic soda market decreased by -3.3% to $X for the first time since 2015, thus ending a five-year rising trend. In general, the total consumption indicated a buoyant expansion from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +6.5% over the last nine-year period. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, consumption increased by +75.9% against 2015 indices. Caustic soda consumption peaked at $X in 2020, and then reduced slightly in the following year.

Caustic Soda Production in Argentina

In value terms, caustic soda production reduced slightly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, posted a resilient expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the production volume increased by 31%. Caustic soda production peaked at $X in 2020, and then declined modestly in the following year.

Caustic Soda Exports

Exports from Argentina

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda exported from Argentina skyrocketed to X tons, increasing by 40% compared with 2020 figures. Over the period under review, exports, however, faced a abrupt setback. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 138% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the exports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, caustic soda exports skyrocketed to $X in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate a deep downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when exports increased by 148%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Paraguay (X tons), Brazil (X tons) and Uruguay (X tons) were the main destinations of caustic soda exports from Argentina, together accounting for 100% of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Paraguay (with a CAGR of +6.2%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, Paraguay ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda exports from Argentina, comprising 80% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Brazil ($X), with a 16% share of total exports. It was followed by Uruguay, with a 3% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Paraguay stood at +6.0%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Brazil (-23.2% per year) and Uruguay (-9.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average caustic soda export price stood at $X per ton in 2021, which is down by -3.1% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, enjoyed a resilient increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 an increase of 52% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the average export prices reached the peak figure at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major overseas markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Bolivia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Brazil ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Bolivia (+4.0%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Caustic Soda Imports

Imports into Argentina

In 2021, purchases abroad of caustic soda increased by 0.1% to X tons, rising for the third consecutive year after three years of decline. Overall, imports, however, saw a perceptible downturn. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 63% against the previous year. As a result, imports reached the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, caustic soda imports fell rapidly to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 57% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of $X. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Brazil (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda to Argentina, with a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, caustic soda imports from Brazil exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the United States (X tons), fourfold. Peru (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 17% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Brazil amounted to -9.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+17.0% per year) and Peru (0.0% per year).

In value terms, Brazil ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda to Argentina, comprising 52% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by the United States ($X), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by Peru, with a 9.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from Brazil amounted to -13.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the United States (+18.1% per year) and Peru (0.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average caustic soda import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, shrinking by -24.7% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a noticeable descent. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 27% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was China ($X per ton), while the price for Peru ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the United States (+0.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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