Belgium: Market for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in Belgium

The Belgian market for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) shrank notably to $X in 2021, declining by -54% against the previous year. Overall, consumption, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. As a result, consumption attained the peak level of $X, and then contracted significantly in the following year.

Production of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye) in Belgium

In value terms, production of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) shrank rapidly to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. Overall, production showed a dramatic contraction. Production of peaked at $X in 2020, and then dropped significantly in the following year.

Exports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Exports from Belgium

Exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Belgium was estimated at X tons in 2021, standing approx. at 2020. In general, exports saw a resilient expansion. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2015 with an increase of 71% against the previous year. The exports peaked at X tons in 2018; afterwards, it flattened through to 2021.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) rose sharply to $X in 2021. Overall, total exports indicated pronounced growth from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +2.4% 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 -32.3% against 2018 indices. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 with an increase of 50% against the previous year. As a result, the exports reached the peak of $X. From 2019 to 2021, the growth of the exports of remained at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

The Netherlands (X tons), France (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Belgium, with a combined 62% share of total exports. These countries were followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Finland, the UK, Sweden, Turkey and Uruguay, which together accounted for a further 30%.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of shipments, amongst the main countries of destination, was attained by Italy (with a CAGR of +57.6%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X), France ($X) and Germany ($X) constituted the largest markets for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) exported from Belgium worldwide, together accounting for 62% of total exports. These countries were followed by Spain, the United States, Italy, Finland, the UK, Sweden, Turkey and Uruguay, which together accounted for a further 30%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Spain, with a CAGR of +34.0%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review, while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Export Prices by Country

The average export price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) stood at $X per ton in 2021, increasing by 11% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, saw a abrupt downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 when the average export price increased by 44%. Over the period under review, the average export prices attained the maximum at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices remained at a lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Uruguay ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Germany ($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 Uruguay (+42.2%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Caustic Soda in Aqueous Solution (Soda Lye)

Imports into Belgium

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) imported into Belgium fell to X tons, with a decrease of -6.1% compared with the previous year. Overall, imports, however, continue to indicate a strong expansion. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 with an increase of 46%. Imports peaked at X tons in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) plummeted to $X in 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2020 with an increase of 44%. As a result, imports reached the peak of $X, and then contracted rapidly in the following year.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Germany (X tons) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Belgium, with a 66% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) from Germany exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, the Netherlands (X tons), twofold. France (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 4.7% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of volume from Germany amounted to +9.3%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+4.5% per year) and France (+21.2% per year).

In value terms, Germany ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) to Belgium, comprising 65% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by the Netherlands ($X), with a 25% share of total imports. It was followed by France, with a 4.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Germany was relatively modest. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: the Netherlands (+1.1% per year) and France (+6.8% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2021, the average import price for caustic soda in aqueous solution (soda lye) amounted to $X per ton, with a decrease of -26.5% against the previous year. Overall, the import price showed a deep contraction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 when the average import price increased by 23%. Over the period under review, average import prices attained the peak figure at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were the UK ($X per ton) and France ($X per ton), while the price for the Netherlands ($X per ton) and Germany ($X per ton) were amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by the Netherlands (-3.3%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced a decline.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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