Belgium: Ethylene Oxide Market 2024

Ethylene Oxide Exports

Exports from Belgium

In 2022, exports of oxirane (ethylene oxide) from Belgium soared to X tons, rising by 61% compared with 2021 figures. Overall, exports posted a prominent expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2020 when exports increased by 94%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum in 2022 and are likely to see steady growth in years to come.

In value terms, ethylene oxide exports surged to $X in 2022. Over the period under review, exports saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2018 with an increase of 87%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Exports by Country

Germany (X tons) was the main destination for ethylene oxide exports from Belgium, accounting for a 75% share of total exports. Moreover, ethylene oxide exports to Germany exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, France (X tons), ninefold. The third position in this ranking was taken by Switzerland (X tons), with a 3.4% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Germany amounted to +14.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-2.2% per year) and Switzerland (+37.2% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) remains the key foreign market for oxirane (ethylene oxide) exports from Belgium, comprising 67% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by France ($X), with an 8.7% share of total exports. It was followed by the Netherlands, with a 3.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to Germany totaled +12.9%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: France (-1.8% per year) and the Netherlands (-6.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average ethylene oxide export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, growing by 7.5% against the previous year. In general, the export price, however, continues to indicate a slight curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 23%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat for the major overseas markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the highest price was recorded for prices to the Netherlands ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($X per ton) and Switzerland ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to the UK (+7.5%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Ethylene Oxide Imports

Imports into Belgium

In 2022, supplies from abroad of oxirane (ethylene oxide) decreased by -19.4% to X tons, falling for the second year in a row after three years of growth. In general, imports, however, recorded a tangible increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 50% against the previous year. As a result, imports attained the peak of X tons. From 2021 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, ethylene oxide imports fell to $X in 2022. Overall, total imports indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, imports increased by +100.9% against 2016 indices. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2013 with an increase of 36% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2021, and then contracted in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of ethylene oxide to Belgium, with a 63% share of total imports. Moreover, ethylene oxide imports from the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Germany (X tons), twofold.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of volume from the Netherlands totaled +8.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+1.6% per year) and France (-3.4% per year).

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constituted the largest supplier of oxirane (ethylene oxide) to Belgium, comprising 63% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Germany ($X), with a 27% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from the Netherlands totaled +8.0%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Germany (+0.9% per year) and France (-5.6% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average ethylene oxide import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, surging by 12% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 an increase of 42% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied noticeably amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while the price for France ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (-0.4%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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