Brazil: Caustic Soda Market 2024

Caustic Soda Market Size in Brazil

In 2021, after two years of decline, there was significant growth in the Brazilian caustic soda market, when its value increased by 21% to $X. Over the period under review, the total consumption indicated a moderate increase from 2012 to 2021: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.3% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Over the period under review, the market reached the maximum level at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, consumption stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Caustic Soda Production in Brazil

In value terms, caustic soda production rose sharply to $X in 2021 estimated in export price. The total output value increased at an average annual rate of +1.9% from 2012 to 2021; the trend pattern indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 when the production volume increased by 17%. Caustic soda production peaked at $X in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2021, production failed to regain momentum.

Caustic Soda Exports

Exports from Brazil

Caustic soda exports from Brazil fell remarkably to X tons in 2021, with a decrease of -28.4% against 2020. In general, exports showed a abrupt descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 with an increase of 55%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, caustic soda exports dropped sharply to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, exports showed a drastic downturn. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2019 when exports increased by 39%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

Argentina (X tons) was the main destination for caustic soda exports from Brazil, with a 80% share of total exports. Moreover, caustic soda exports to Argentina exceeded the volume sent to the second major destination, Uruguay (X tons), fivefold.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume to Argentina totaled -10.4%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+3.8% per year) and Bolivia (+8.6% per year).

In value terms, Argentina ($X) remains the key foreign market for caustic soda exports from Brazil, comprising 66% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Uruguay ($X), with an 18% share of total exports.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value to Argentina totaled -13.5%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Uruguay (+5.1% per year) and Bolivia (+5.1% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2021, the average caustic soda export price amounted to $X per ton, falling by -3.2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price saw a pronounced curtailment. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2018 when the average export price increased by 29%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Bolivia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Argentina ($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 Italy (+82.1%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced more modest paces of growth.

Caustic Soda Imports

Imports into Brazil

After four years of growth, purchases abroad of caustic soda decreased by -2.3% to X tons in 2021. Overall, total imports indicated a mild increase from 2012 to 2021: its volume increased at an average annual rate of +1.8% over the last nine years. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2021 figures, imports increased by +57.4% against 2016 indices. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports attained the peak figure at X tons in 2020, and then fell modestly in the following year.

In value terms, caustic soda imports surged to $X in 2021. Over the period under review, imports, however, continue to indicate a tangible expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 with an increase of 49% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2021, the United States (X tons) was the main supplier of caustic soda to Brazil, accounting for a 92% share of total imports. It was followed by Peru (X tons), with a 2.9% share of total imports. Saint Lucia (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with a 2.4% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from the United States totaled +1.5%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Peru (+11.8% per year) and Saint Lucia (+55.0% per year).

In value terms, the United States ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda to Brazil, comprising 90% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Peru ($X), with a 3.3% share of total imports. It was followed by Saint Lucia, with a 1.8% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual growth rate of value from the United States stood at +3.1%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Peru (+13.2% per year) and Saint Lucia (+50.2% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average caustic soda import price stood at $X per ton in 2021, with an increase of 39% against the previous year. In general, the import price posted a slight expansion. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2016 when the average import price increased by 52% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2021, import prices remained at a lower figure.

Average prices varied somewhat amongst the major supplying countries. In 2021, amid the top importers, the countries with the highest prices were Peru ($X per ton) and Argentina ($X per ton), while the price for Saint Lucia ($X per ton) and the United States ($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 United States (+1.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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