Bulgaria: Market for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form 2024

Market Size for Caustic Soda in the Solid Form in Bulgaria

In 2021, the Bulgarian market for caustic soda in the solid form increased by 9% to $X, rising for the second consecutive year after two years of decline. Overall, consumption saw a perceptible setback. Consumption of peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, consumption failed to regain momentum.

Exports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Exports from Bulgaria

After two years of growth, shipments abroad of caustic soda in the solid form decreased by -20.2% to X tons in 2021. Overall, exports, however, continue to indicate buoyant growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 when exports increased by 244%. As a result, the exports attained the peak of X tons. From 2014 to 2021, the growth of the exports of failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, exports of caustic soda in the solid form fell markedly to $X in 2021. In general, exports, however, posted noticeable growth. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 with an increase of 141%. The exports peaked at $X in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2021, the exports remained at a lower figure.

Exports by Country

Romania (X tons), Albania (X tons) and Serbia (X tons) were the main destinations of exports of caustic soda in the solid form from Bulgaria, together comprising 79% of total exports. These countries were followed by North Macedonia, Hungary, Kosovo and Greece, which together accounted for a further 26%.

From 2012 to 2021, the biggest increases were recorded for Kosovo (with a CAGR of +157.1%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Romania ($X), Albania ($X) and Hungary ($X) constituted the largest markets for caustic soda in the solid form exported from Bulgaria worldwide, together comprising 70% of total exports. These countries were followed by Serbia, North Macedonia, Kosovo and Greece, which together accounted for a further 28%.

In terms of the main countries of destination, Kosovo, with a CAGR of +38.1%, recorded 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 the solid form stood at $X per ton in 2021, rising by 6.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, continues to indicate a pronounced slump. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 an increase of 45% against the previous year. As a result, the export price reached the peak level of $X per ton. From 2019 to 2021, the average export prices remained at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2021, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Kosovo ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to Serbia ($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 Greece (-0.7%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced a decline.

Imports of Caustic Soda in the Solid Form

Imports into Bulgaria

In 2021, the amount of caustic soda in the solid form imported into Bulgaria dropped to X tons, waning by -7.5% on 2020. Over the period under review, imports showed a deep contraction. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2020 when imports increased by 23% against the previous year. Over the period under review, imports of caustic soda in solid form reached the maximum at X tons in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2021, imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, imports of caustic soda in the solid form soared to $X in 2021. Overall, imports showed a perceptible downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2017 with an increase of 40% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2021, imports failed to regain momentum.

Imports by Country

In 2021, Romania (X tons) constituted the largest caustic soda in the solid form supplier to Bulgaria, accounting for a 59% share of total imports. Moreover, imports of caustic soda in the solid form from Romania exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest supplier, Turkey (X tons), twofold. Poland (X tons) ranked third in terms of total imports with an 8.5% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of volume from Romania stood at -8.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+19.2% per year) and Poland (-11.3% per year).

In value terms, Romania ($X) constituted the largest supplier of caustic soda in the solid form to Bulgaria, comprising 57% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by Turkey ($X), with a 22% share of total imports. It was followed by Poland, with an 11% share.

From 2012 to 2021, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value from Romania stood at -1.4%. The remaining supplying countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Turkey (+14.5% per year) and Poland (-8.3% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The average import price for caustic soda in the solid form stood at $X per ton in 2021, surging by 32% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price posted tangible growth. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2017 an increase of 37% against the previous year. Over the period under review, average import prices hit record highs at $X per ton in 2018; however, from 2019 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 Poland ($X per ton), while the price for Turkey ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2021, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Romania (+7.6%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced mixed trend patterns.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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